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SEN

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

Based on the visit from the HV and Early Years Worker - it is likely that DD 17m) will have an autism diagnosis at some point

2 replies

sha160528 · 09/05/2025 15:16

Hi,

I had concerns around my daughter’s lack of pointing and although she does do other gestures they’re often not in context or she doesn’t do them often.

Long story short, the HV and Early Years Worker came over today to do a questionnaire with DD and observe her and apart from the fact that she maintained eye contact and smiled, she was classed as ‘aytpical’ on most other areas (imitation/pretend play such as feeding the doll, pointing at a teddy she brought over, responding to her name etc)

She does respond to her name sometimes, she does also feed the dolly milk sometimes but she didn’t do any of this on the visit and I did mention that sometimes she does do the above - the HV said you would expect her to respond her name when called a few times during the session and that she should naturally engage in pretend play if she was ‘typical’.

We’ve met the criteria to be referred for SALT although there may be a wait.

What happens next?

She Did say it it could mean DD does all of the above a week or so later and isn’t autistic but judging by the above she is likely to be diagnosed at some point (her dad is autistic)

I just feel like I don’t know what’s next? Yes they mentioned the SALT but I’m not sure what it will mean for DD or if I should keep an open mind as she’s still young or if I should accept and start interventions for an autism diagnosis?

OP posts:
24Dogcuddler · 09/05/2025 17:43

I’m sure you were already looking out for Neurodiversity if her Dad is autistic.
I would wait to see what the Speech and Language Therapist says.
Sounds like she may have done a screening checklist but the HV isn’t qualified to say that your daughter is or isn’t autistic. It sounds like she has left you with lots of questions.
A diagnosis is usually multidisciplinary. There is a toddler module of ADOS (one of the diagnostic tools) but this would only be used if there was clear evidence to support. Diagnostic pathways vary but need to follow NICE guidance.
Does she attend a Preschool setting and if so have they mentioned any concerns?
She’s still young for pretend play and they will have assessed her in an unusual situation.
Easy to say but try not to worry and enjoy your daughter.

perpetualplatespinning · 09/05/2025 18:15

Whether DD goes on to be diagnosed with ASD, and no-one on MN can say either way, it is good the HV is being proactive. Support will help DD either way.

Did the HV do the MCHAT?

Is the Early Years Worker from Portage? If not, it is worth looking at a referral to them as well.

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