ASD assessment for 2 year old daughter. What to expect?

[JadeFD]

Hello Everyone,

just after some advice. We’ve finally got an appointment through for my two year old daughter in two weeks. Does anyone know what to expect? We’re based in Cambridgeshire and I’ve heard it works differently in each county, some people have said they get three appointments and then others get a diagnosis on the day. Any tips or advice I’d be very grateful!
she doesn’t sleep much at all so I’m hoping they take me seriously!

With my daughters it was a hour appointment and she was diagnosed on the day, they had already received preschools report and a questionnaire that I had to fill out so I think they knew a lot before they even met her. At the appointment they did a health check and they did different playing things with her which they score to make part of there decision, they observed her on how she played alone and stimming etc. I know some do it over 3 appointments but I wonder if there’s factors in that like how much they display asd and if there is other setting that have noticed it.

Thank you for your reply! Were you able to show the paediatrician videos of behaviours? I’m worried she won’t display much in the appointment.

I didn’t really think to show videos but there will be a time that they will talk with you before they starts assessing so maybe you could ask then? My daughter is really sociable she was huggy and climbing all over them 😂 but they are also trained to know the signs when children are masking so I wouldn’t worry to much

Amazing thanks so much for your help!

They will take a history. Things like pregnancy, developmental milestones, childcare if relevant, about family, difficulties DD has had/is having… Some people find it helpful to make a timeline or notes so you don’t forget anything.

They will observe your child. Sometimes there will also be a physical examination.

Sometimes there will be a SALT assessment as part of the assessment either during the appointment or at a separate appointment either before or afterwards.

What is a SALT assessment if you don’t mind me asking? This is all new to me 😂

Speech and Language Therapy assessment. Sometimes called SALT, SaLT or SLT.