We suspect dd has hyperlexia or something related - diagnose or ignore?

[benning]

Hi,

We have long suspected that there is something 'different' about dd1, who is now 4. She was a very early reader, has amazing memory, and a few quite strange social problems. Anyway, the situation is mild, and generally doesn't make things difficult for us as a family, although I sometimes worry that she is not happy. She starts school in September and we are now wondering whether we should seek a formal diagnosis. As far as I can see the only benefit of this would be that her school would have to do something regarding her education (up to now when I have spoken about it they have been a bid dismissive).

I know NOTHING about the autism spectrum process of diagnosis so am just wondering if anyone could advise me. Is it better to avoid the label and let her muddle on being very far ahead at school, or get a diagnosis and make them help her?

A dx doesn't make them help her - but is generally a good thing.

Things that appear mild or normal at 4 can suddenly seem like a huge problem at 5, 6 or 7.

So I think it is worth starting the dx process (which normally takes a year anyway). Go to your GP. Explain your concerns, and ask for a referral to a child development paed.

I suppose what bothers me is that she will be put through a lot of tests and interviews. She's so difficult around people she doesn't know that she may just completely clam up or be traumatised for life!

Do you know (roughly) what the process is?

Sounds like she really needs a dx.

Diagnosis differs area to area. But yes she will have to talk to some strangers.

But without a dx - how is she going to cope?

She def won't be traumatised for life by the diagnostic procedure. She may well clam up or be difficult - that is part of the info they will use to dx her.

She could well be traumatised by life by an unsympethetic school though....

My DS2 has a DX of ASD and it has been nothing but beneficial for him, (once I got over the initial shock and pain.) It has enabled him to get the help he needs with less of a battle and has introduced me to some of the professionals who have helped us. The Autism advisory teaching service in my LA has always been a group of people who I trust to be on my DS's side when dealing with schools or the LA. They really understand ASD and its varied effects on DC.

My DS3 is hyperlexic (reading at 3 with no-one ever having taught him) and has some ASD traits, very quirky, but he has few social problems so I have never felt the need for a formal DX. It's a tricky one but if DS3 was having any social problems I'd get help asap.