Should I proceed with DS1's possible Asperger's diagnosis

[sameagain]

This is going to sound mad and I know that lots have you have far worse worries, but for some time I have been concerned that DS1 (7) is a bit "odd" He makes lots of loud screeching noises, finds sitting still very difficult and whilst appears popular with other kids, doesn't have friends as such, just people he plays with, who are different every day. He also has some difficulties with small and gross motor skills, is very clumsy and can't hold his pencil. He is v. bright, able to have adult conversations and reads well above his age.

Months ago, I wrote to GP setting out my concerns, he called me, we had a lovely conversation and he agreed to refer DS1, although we both agreed it wasn't that bad, but no harm getting him checked out. After that he seems to have got lost in the system, but I have now rec'd questionnaires for me and the school to fill out re his behaviour and then consultant will decide if he needs to see him.

The school have never suggested there is a problem, other than to offer extra help with writing, and I am irrationally concerned about coming across as a fussing mum if I ask them to complete the form.

Some of the things I was concerned about have improved with time, but haven't gone away completely. WWYD?

If he does have some low level form of SN is there any bebefit in "labelling" him with a diagnosis? He functions well, enjoys school and is generally doing well.

sameagain,

I think you should follow through with the questionnaire and gee up the school to return their copy asap. You are your son's best - and only - advocate. If it does turn out there is a SEN issue (and I'm no expert but to me there are several issues here that need to be discussed with a developmental paediatrician) then you'll be glad you've acted now rather than say in 3-5 years time.

Many schools would not recognise ASD anyway in any one child (these people are not trained to spot these issues) so am not really surprised they have not said anything re him. I note they are helping him with his handwriting.

Am not sure who this consultant is but he ought to see a developmental paediatrician as they can diagnose. Labelling in my view should be seen as a signpost to getting more help. He clearly needs assistance with his socialisation skills - his apparant inability re friends would be a red flag.

You may also want to post your question on the "Special Needs" board of this website as that board gets a lot more traffic during the day.

Abosolutely, Atilla, particularly the signpost for getting more help, etc.

Agree absolutely with Atilla - yes, there are question marks over the benefits of a formal diagnosis, but if your son's difficulties ever become a self-esteem issue for him, you will have that bit of paper which essentially tells him that it's not his "fault". My DS2 is Dyspraxic (it may be worth a look at the Dyspraxia Foundation website re the motor skills issues) and blamed himself - the diagnosis was the best thing we could have done.

And if and when he needs additional support at school, you are far more likely to get it with some sort of a diagnosis. DS2, for example, is being taught to touchtype and will be given extra time for SATs. Good luck!

It can do no harm. If he doesn't need a 'signpost', then fine, nothing changes. However if it is felt there are significant concerns, then a diagnosis I have found has only ever been helpful. Low level issues now could blow up once he is at secondary school. If a diagnosis is in place, then everyone can be ready for it.

My ds struggles with low self esteem as a result of his AS and ADHD. When he got his dx this august we were finally able to give his problems a name (we knew anyway but didn't want to label it for him before it was official). Now we have read books on AS and ADHD with him and it has really helped him to know that there are other children out there just like him. For us this has been the only real benefit from getting a dx (so far!) as he has had a statement for 3 1/2 years and this has been what has given him the extra support etc he needs at school.

if he has Asperger's the earlier you find out the better.

There are intervention strategies that can help and the earlier they start the better.

Not having "friends" might not matter at the moment but could become a serious problem in adolescence. It is possible for an unrecognised Aspie to become an involuntary solitary and desperately lonely. With early intervention this need not happen.

A diagnosis obtained early is a good thing.

definitely go for the diagnosis because without it you will get no decent advice at all. We were advised by their school not to bother with a diagnosis for our child (I believe they are dyspraxic) and I have regretted listening to them ever since.

Once you know what the problem is you can work on minimising the effects. We did a lot of the recommended things by accident