ASD Diagnostic Multi-Agency Meeting next week: any advice?

[Grey24]

Next Wednesday, we are meeting with Community Paed, SALT & Portage worker, who all know my DD (2.4) to some extent; I have been led to understand that this particular meeting will give a diagnosis (probably, but not def. ASD) to my DD. Which is good. I think.
But suppose they say 'wait another 6 months' or suppose they say 'well, she meets 2 of the Triad but we're not sure about the 3rd' or 'well, she has language delay, but that may eventually resolve, so let's not 'label' for now..' or whatever.
Any experience? (I know people on this forum have immense experience, because you've been informing me & supporting me, even if unknowingly, all of this year).
Should I a) just turn up and see what they say (not my usual way, but maybe the right way? b) prepare notes on why I think my DD meets the ASD criteria/diagnosis - or will that look strange coming from a parent? or c) any other ideas on how to prepare?
Sorry for the long post - I am nervous because I don't really know what to expect - no-one has really told me. Yet I feel so much 'hangs' upon that meeting, in terms of looking forward & knowing 'where we stand'.
Apologies if I've explained it badly.

Hi Grey24.

My 4.6 year old was diagnosed with Autism 2 weeks ago so things are still fairly fresh in my mind.

What I found helpful to bring to my meeting was a diary of a typical week with my DS. My DSs meeting was actually in 2 parts. At the first meeting we met with the Paediatrician and this was when I gave her my diary and copies of paperwork relating to his speech as he has severe speech delay and reports from his time at nursery.

At the second appointment with the Paediatrician and Speech therapist they had read my diary and were fully clued up on DS. After a 50 minute question and answer session followed by some deliberation DS was diagnosed with Autism. I'm still waiting for the report to be typed up so I'm not exactly sure where he is on the spectrum but the diagnosis brought with it a sense of relief.

Your preparing notes on why you think your DD meets the ASD criteria is not a strange thing to do at all! In my opinion preparation is key and the Paediatrician I saw was pleased that I had done my research, made notes and prepared myself for the meeting.

Hope all goes well at your meeting and please keep us updated.

Best wishes.

Thank you so much! - that's really helpful. I hadn't thought of a diary of the week - that's a great idea.

It sounds as though I should also make some notes for them on exactly how DD's speech is at present (variable day to day; talks more to herself than us, etc).

Many thanks for sharing your experience. I hope the diagnosis enables your DS to get the help/more help he might need. I'll let you know what happens.

Did you say your DD was only 2.4 yrs? That seems awfully young (to me) to make a formal diagnosis of ASD unless your DD is severely affected with "classic autism".
Our paed (DD is 3.3 yrs and has some autistic traits an severe language delay) is taking the "wait and see" approach with her.
We were happy with that as long as she gets the help she needs anyway, which she is.

Personally I would focus on getting some practical help for your dd. Both my dc are ASD and with dd I did push them to make the formal diagnosis because I knew it was obvious and I wanted to get on with getting her some support. Some LA's etc won't provide any help unless you have a formal diagnosis. I would also try and pin them down as to what early intervention help she will get.

Thank you both very much - I am really quite desperate for some help, but it doesn't seem like we will get any without a diagnosis - but after your comments, I will try to sound more assertive at the meeting about what help they can offer whether they give DD a diagnosis or not. I will use your 'what early intervention help can she get' phrase - thank you.