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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Asd/anxiety in dd 11. Should I still pursue referral?

3 replies

Taytotots · 03/06/2024 07:46

We asked for a GP referral for anxiety/potential asd over two years ago. The referral just came through but I initially turned it down as felt dd doing much better. Now second guessing myself.

The reason for asking for the referral was severe anxiety and frequent meltdowns at home. Because of the long wait time we got private counselling for the anxiety issues which really helped. A lot of the anxiety was about transition to secondary school and going to summer camp both of which went well.

I felt dd was doing ok but have now become aware of her social struggles at school. She has always just had a few close friends. But now is saying she has none. Her best friend from primary seems to have found a new friend group (but also some middle school frienemy stuff going on there too). Dd goes to quiet lunch and reads. She does seem to find school overwhelming and needs a lot of quiet time at weekends to recuperate. But seems happy to go in and is doing well academically. She is in clubs outside school and seems to get on well with people there.

I don't know if I should try and see someone still. She seems to be doing ok but I wonder if she is masking. I do wonder about asd as we have a strong family history.. But she is doing a lot better with anxiety now using strategies the therapist provided so not sure we need support for that.

Do you think seeing someone to get her assessed for aad would be if benefit? Has a diagnosis helped your daughter?

OP posts:
BrumToTheRescue · 03/06/2024 14:09

I would still pursue an assessment. If you have already turned it down you may need a new referral. A diagnosis is important for understanding yourself and for others understanding you.

Taytotots · 03/06/2024 16:16

Thanks @BrumToTheRescue

OP posts:
Taytotots · 03/06/2024 16:17

Will call and see if I can reschedule one. Hope new referral not needed

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