Referral to paediatrics

[YourEagerTealZebra]

Hi everyone
Just posting really to get some insight to everyone else’s experiences with their DC’s and the process of getting an assessment / during and afterwards :)
DD is 2.6 and has just been referred by our HV to paediatrics for an autism assessment. It’s safe to say I’m glad the ball is now officially rolling (although I know the wait times and the process in general will be lengthy)

DD has displayed signs IMO from around 16-18months. These are some of the signs she has:
•poor speech and language (echolalia, won’t follow directions or instructions, make conversation or contribute to conversations etc)
• communication delay
• will only communicate with adults in her own way, no interaction with other children despite being at nursery ( will tolerate playing NEXT to one child as long as they aren’t too in her space, will avoid groups)
• can’t cope in loud environments, will become really distressed - won’t keep ear defenders on at the moment due to the feel of them on her head (nursery are brill with dealing with this situation)
• very sensory ie. Food, only eats the same 4 foods and suffers with constipation as a result, really inspects food and won’t have them touching / drinks - only drinks from a bottle NOTHING. ELSE.
• stims- rocking, head banging, spinning, hand flapping, squinting, pacing
• Masks stimming at nursery but the second she comes out it’s full blown rocking and head banging in the car
• shut downs and melt downs (especially when out in busy environments including shopping, Alton towers, parties etc. meltdowns will include hitting out at others and hitting herself for well above an hour, more a less until we return home
• loves routine, anything out of routine causes massive meltdowns even if it’s of interest (interests such as nursery parents and childrens activities after session etc)
• won’t wear hats, gloves, scarves, or any clothing with buttons on
• won’t sit for long periods (max like 5 mins) including group times
• no sense of danger- will run in the road / approach strangers without a second thought
• doesn’t like anything on hands including food and messy play
• gross motor and fine motor skills are pretty good (not a sign of ASD but just thought I’d include this in for input)

she also scored 225 on the SE questionnaire (cut off was 85) from the HV

not sure if I’ve covered everything! she’s under SALT and EIYS too as well as getting 1:1 funding at nursery. What can I expect from here on afterwards? Does anyone have any advice for things to work on in the process? Are there things I need to think about for the future? Does anyone relate and have any experience? Thank you! X

[Headfirstintothewild]

The diagnostic assessment process varies area to area. 

Not all ICBs fund sensory OT, but if your area does it is worth getting referred there too.

If you have Portage in your area and they still see DC in nursery (not all do) and you aren’t already under them request a referral to there too.

If you haven’t already, you should request an EHCNA. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

Are you already receiving DLA for DD? If not, apply for that.