2 year old diagnosed as autistic

[Thfid78e]

Hi,
My daughter is 2yrs 3mos. I've had concerns about her since around 15 months. She was referred to the Early Support Pathway at 20 months, and has been seeing SaLT since around the same time. We had a paediatric consultation yesterday and the consultant confirmed a diagnosis of autism.

I just wondered where we go from here. She's nit yet at a nursery because of concerns I have regarding her needs being met there. But I've arranged some settling in sessions and I'm hoping she'll be able to join one soon.

The biggest issue we're having is her lack of communicative intent. She's picking up language, albeit slowly, but she just doesn't bother using it to communicate at all. She doesn't point, nor does she respond to someone pointing, and it's impossible to get her attention.

She's my first child. I have a 1yr old son also. I'm a single parent and have been struggling alone for a while. I'm sort of relieved that there's a reason why I've struggled so much, but I'm proud of the progress I've made with her wrt sleep and diet.

I just wondered what happened now. What support should I expect he available. They keep saying early intervention is key- how do I best support her? What options of intervention will be available to me to help with her language and communication? Her sensory issues?

Thanks in advance

If you haven’t already, request an EHCNA. An EHCNA is the needs assessment you first request as part of getting an EHCP. IPSEA and SOSSEN are charities who have lots of helpful information on their websites, including model letters you can use to request an EHCNA.

Check if your area has specialist early years assessment places for those who are going through or need to go through the EHCP process. Not all LAs have such places, but some do.

Speak to the nursery about them applying for early years inclusion funding.

If the nursery needs more advice on how to support DD, they can approach the Area SENCO for advice. If your LA still has them, they can also ask the specialist teaching service for advice.

If DD isn’t already under Portage, check if they are available in your area.

Many areas have specialist HVs for those with additional needs. If you aren’t already under them, check if your area does.

Is DD still seeing SALT?

Does DD communicate in any non-verbal ways?

For OT, in many areas, you can self refer. Not all ICBs commission sensory OT on the NHS, but it is still worth an OT referral for other elements of OT support. Even if your area doesn’t commission sensory OT on the NHS, a sensory OT assessment can be part of an EHCNA and, subsequently, sensory OT provision can be part of an EHCP.

You may also want to ask for a home OT assessment to look at making the house safer and better meet DD’s needs.

If you haven’t already applied for DLA, do that. The Cerebra guide is helpful when completing the form.

Have a look at Home Start. Also, your local short breaks offer - there may not be anything suitable given DD’s age, but it is worth looking because she areas do have provision for toddlers/preschoolers.

I didn't knew anything about what you've posted! Thank you so so much for responding. You've given me so many leads! I might post back/PM as I'm working through your suggestions if that's okay. I appreciate you might nit even see this! Thank you again

Excellent suggestions from @ExistingonCoffee

It can feel very overwhelming when you get a diagnosis but sounds like you are positive, looking for strategies and how to move forward. You are the expert on your own child and her best resource.

At this stage with communication it’s good to establish attention and listening and joint attention skills.
A play based approach is helpful.
Collect things that interest her e.g.balloons, bubbles, tornado tubes ( buy a connector for 2 pop bottles) aim for her to watch and engage then indicate a choice by looking or reaching. You could move on to symbols
( order is real objects, photos then line symbols, symbols with words) SALT will advise
Look up Attention Autism, Intensive Interaction and PECS.
Music and rhymes are great for repetition and transition times. Anticipation rhymes and songs are good, wait for a reaction if you pause.

For sensory activities look at the book The Out of Synch Child has Fun. Lots of activities using things you have around the home.

Look on the SEN local offer for your LA to find local support groups etc.
If offered in your area try to get a place on the NAS EarlyBird course for parents. It’s really helpful to meet other parents as they understand.

Make time for you when you can and don’t try to do everything at once.

You are welcome. Feel free to PM or of course post back whenever you want.

It can be overwhelming. You don’t have to do everything at once. My post was things that will help you over time to gradually work through. It would be impossible to all of it at once.

I forgot to say if you can’t self refer to OT in your area, the GP, HV or paed will be able to.

As well as the Out of Sync Child books mentioned by pp, you might want to look at the Occuplaytional therapist and this booklet.