Autism diagnoses

[Googoodol]

Hi my son is 7 and we are pretty sure his autistic, school are currently applying for an ECHP has he is 3 years behind his peers in everything, his in year 2 and working at reception level, he doesn’t sleep at night, very fussy eater, bad fine motor skills , can’t use cutlery, struggling socially has no friends. My question is how do I go about getting him diagnosed? is it done by the school or GP? I’m so confused at school I know his seeing a speech therapist, occupational therapists and educational therapist. Can these people diagnose autism ? I know waiting times are ridiculously long and if I could afford private I would. I’m just worried as his school has told me that they don’t know if he can continue at mainstream as they feel they can’t meet his needs anymore Many thanks

EHCP

Take evidence from school/the health practitioners your DC sees in school to your GP and ask about the assessment pathway. None of the people you mention can diagnose (on their own). This is normally done by a specialist multi-disciplinary team in a neurodevelopmental service or similar.

Here are the NICE guidelines for assessment in under 19s. [CG 128]

https://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG128

Go to your GP. Mine even had leaflets explaining the diagnosis path, they can refer you to specialist teams that are qualified to do a diagnosis.

My son got referred to a pediatrician first who ruled out other stuff as well first (things like a hearing problem or chromosomal condition which could have caused issues too). This isn't standard everywhere I think but I found quite a useful step as it meant when we got the diagnosis I was sure other explanations had been ruled out

For school meeting or not meeting his needs, with the EHCP application hopefully the local authority can help with this. If the school can't meet his needs, regardless of a diagnosis, the local authority should help find a school that can meet his needs. There is a broad spectrum between 'mainstream' and 'special' schools. There are mainstream schools with specialist units, mainstream schools that are smaller and more equipped to manage SEN.... your LA will have knowledge of what's available and should help you find the right one. Or they may give extra money to his current school to help them meet his needs.

The diagnostic process varies area to area. In some areas, CAMHS assess. In others, it is community paeds. In some, it is a stand alone team. The assessment process will involve a multi-disciplinary team. The SALT, OT and EP assessments may well be taken into account as part of the process. The referral process also differs. In some areas, you can self refer. If you can’t, ask the school &/or GP.