ASD? or just a 6yr old boy

[dabdib]

How important is it to get a diagnosis of ASD?

My son has been showing traits since he was around 3 and it is becoming more obvious now that he is 6. He is having issues at school due to poor social skills and I am getting more concerned as he is being labelled the naughty boy.

He takes things very literally, and you have to be very precise in what you say, if you miss a name of part of a story out he will correct you.
He is a very good reader, understands what is going on, will remember miniscule details about the story, but has poor understanding of why, how questions about the stories.
He annoys the other children in the class, gets punished, but doesn't seem bothered as if he doesn't link the punishment to the crime so to speak.
Dislike of loud noises, and strong smells.
Does not show empathy towards others, although he feels and understands emotions.
Overly touchy, will lean against you, whether you want him there or not, this causes issues with his classmates.
There are probably more things I can't think of at the moment.

As he is in his second year of school, he is now expected to now the rules, he does but just doesn't apply them to himself.

If anyone can post any advice, I would be very grateful. I am in Scotland so not even sure if we have a SENCO or equivalent here, I feel if I go to the GP with him I will be dismissed as he appears "normal". His teacher has said that it wouldn't matter if he was diagnosed or not, as it would be mild if anything. But I don't want him being labelled naughty if he can't help his behaviour.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to any replies :)

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/special_needs/1125765-Is-here-any-point-in-seeking-a-diagnosis

Someone asked something similar the other day, that gives some opinions.

The school system does work differently in Scotland, but they do still refer on for assessment, does he get support for learning?

The way the ASN system is set up diagnosis is not supposed to matter as children are supported for their needs not their label - but in practice? It's a bit sketchy and my experience is that yes diagnosis makes a difference.

If you have a nagging feeling then I'd advise to see your GP who can refer you.
( not sure of the system in Scotland ).

What would be a good idea before you go is to keep a diary.. And a list of concerning behaviours or issues that your seeing.

You can also take video of any behaviours too .. This sometimes helps.

A diagnosis if applicable can help to open doors or sign post needs and early intervention is important. However the process is quite drawn out for a lot of people and is stressful ( not to put you off.. Just a heads up).

It is not unsual to show issue behaviours at one setting and not another, go with your gut feeling.
Hth

dabdib-I understand what you're saying completely. I have posted several times on here regarding my dd(4)who is more than likely on the spectrum, although again, not everyone agrees.

It's really difficult to know what to do in this situation I know. I have to admit, i've heard a lot of professionals asking what a diagnosis would actually achieve. This is what the gp said to me and I was puzzled as to what she meant. When I posted that comment on here, several others said the same. If i'm being honest, I kinda understand what they're saying, but only in the sense that we all have autistic traits, but for most of us it's usually unnoticed.

It's great that you say your ds is good with his reading. If he is on the spectrum, it sounds like he will be on the mild end and also high functioning. :)

Get a dx - you said he's already being labeled as naughty. Only a dx will (maybe) stop that.

Go to your GP and ask for a referral to a paed.

Hi Dabdib,

I'm new here but I've been lurking for a few days!
I wanted to answer you because I'm in Scotland too. I don't think the Dx system is that different. My Son is 6 and has Aspergers, our nursery teacher got an Ed pysch involved, who then referred us to the community Pead who referred us for assessment. But it could have happened through the GP or HV too.

Personally I have no regrets about getting a diagnosis as it has got him help and also gives us and explanation of why he reacts differently - he just sees and experiences the world differently from most people. I suppose I find it helpful more than anything and not something to be ashamed of. Also I hear of many autistic people diagnosed later in life who are so relieved to find out and wish it has happened earlier. Of course I don't know if your son is autistic or not I can only tell you how it was for us.

I hope this makes some sense!

Dabdib Hello! Your ds sounds exactly like mine (6 next sat). In fact I've just got back from picking him up from school and it was NOT a good day (sometimes there are and we don't know why) there are no particular 'triggers' as such apart from the very fact of being at school or in a supermarket (which we don't take him to anymore). He has been like this since a few months old if I'm honest but it became a real problem when he went to nursery. It was actually the school that strongly advised I take him to our GP and after about a year we had appointments with both educational and child psychologists which are ongoing.
I had to attend a parenting group for a couple of months but I will do anything I just want my son to be able to fit in and not be labeled 'naughty'.
The school should be doing everything they can to support you - it's their problem too, but I would definitely go to your GP asap. He's not naughty.
My ds is being tested for autism but it's a long process and apparently they don't like to diagnose until around 7 as the brain is changing so much at 4-7 a bit like when they're a teenager, and some are just slower to mature in certain areas (empathy for eg).
Anyway, I went on a bit there and I'm certainly no expert, came on for advice myself after a trying week (6 years!). Good luck.

Thanks for all your replies, I shall be thinking things over this weekend and will see about contacting my GP.

Thank you all again for the good advice :)

Hi

I think it would be a good idea for him to have a language assessment if he is struggling with why/how questions. Empathy/being literal etc are developing at this age so it could be something and nothing.

A speech and language assessment might tease things out and give you more perspective on his communication.

Well like I said before - the school can refer for assessment, or you're right your GP can.

I would approach the school first as their opinion will be looked for as part of the assessment process and really you want them on board as well.

Don't criticize them (yet, lol) tell them you're worried about his self-esteem as he's getting older and more self-aware you don't want him to be aware of any difficulties and not to be able to provide him with reasons why - which can lead to self esteem issues and is a perfectly acceptable reason for assessment and diagnosis.

That you want to be able to access support for him out of school. (whether you choose to try and access them or not, you won't be able to without a diagnosis, things like autistic playschemes or youth groups)

That if he's diagnosed they'll be able to get support from specialists like the autistic outreach team.

I wouldn't make it about them failing to support him, not at this point because it is definitely much easier if you and the school can be on the same side.

The reason I asked if he was getting support for learning is because ideally that's who you want to approach about it, his class teacher in all likelihood won't know how or who to refer him on to. (though she should know who to speak to in school if you'd rather do that or he isn't getting support for learning)

If they try to palm you off, go to the head or deputy and ask them.

If they refuse, that's when I'd go to the GP with a list of traits that he displays and tell them that you want a referral for an autistic assessment - who you are referred to is different depending on where you are.