It's finally MDA week and i'm struggling hand holding welcome.

[hotmamalovespavlova]

Finally the week come and it is not at all what I expected. we have three appointments with dd 3.6 over 3 days and then the big meeting on friday without her being there.

It all seems very rushed I think I thought we would be observed over a week of full days with specialists doing there bits throughout the day.

So we have seen the OT and she has indentified dd as a seeker with some sensitivity issues.
Then we saw the Paed who asked all the same questions as last time.
Today we had the Ados test and the SALT has said in her opinion dd is definately on the specturm.

I am pleased that she had picked up on the issues as dd can 'perform' well at appointments.

Now I am massively stressing about the big
meeting-how must weight does the test carry? Obviously along side it there will be the SALT report and she was very clear on what she felt.

I just feel sick and want to cry I know the DX isn't everything but for me it would be validation of what I have always known and a stronger lever for the support she is going to continue to need.

Anyway enough self pity thankyou in advance for any comments.

Good luck for Friday and you hear what you want know to well how much I is to worry that they say it's nothing yet you know

LD Pschologist, (whom I trust) said ADOS can be a good indicator, but it can also give results which would point to ASD if there are other issues, (traumatic history etc), so they take into account backg round stuff and history, but if the team are any good you should be able to discuss the results and what they mean, and how they got there, (we actually had two appointments, so we could go away and think of questions, bits we didn't understand etc.) Am thinking of you, as I remember our assessments and meeting, (a couple of months ago).

The ADOS test has a scoring system, there is 1 cut off for autism and another for asd. (that is how it was explained to me when my DS1 had it). It is part of the assessment so the dx won't rely solely on that ~(I know someone whose DC scored within ASD range but an actual dx is still under discussion by the professionals). The SALT and the OT have both picked up on your DD's difficulties so even if you get a hmmm wait and see re dx, it should still open up the pathway to additional support.
I believe the actual dx has to be made by the paediatrician but certainly a good one will taken on board the SALT and OT's assessments, particularly when assessing for a social communication disorder.
Good luck for Friday and try and go easy on yourself in the meantime.

I know exactly how you feel. I found the whole MDA process really hard and the first appointment I just broke down in tears!!

Our MDA took place over 3 weeks which I found highly stressful going away at the end of each session and wondering what they were discussing.

In the end I could see why they done it like it.

They were unsure re my DS and he had to undergo the ADOS and that apparently confirmed the diagnoses amongst other professionals like SALT, OT etc agreeing to it to!

x

hope the appointment today goes well

Thank you all for your comments and polar for remembering us today.

We got a dx of Autism so at last we have a definitive and can access better support.

What a long hard week I am sure I will be back shortly with lots of questions but for now just need time for it all to sink in.

well at least it's done now re:DX. give it time to sink in, plenty of wine, chocolate and TLC for the weekend. Then once you are up to it, consider applying for DLA if you haven't already.

Just echoing everything TotalChaos has posted above.

post when you are ready, I really found this board to be invaluable when DS1 was first dx.

Its great that your Dd has a dx before going to school, it will give you time to make sure she is in the right place when she goes. I am sure this is a difficult time for you but there's loads of people who can support you on here. Good luck and don't forget the chocolate [won't say wine cos I am T-total].[hsmile]