What diagnosis is ds likely to get?

[sleepyhorse]

Hi

It's been a long year of uncertainty with ds - lots of assessments with pediatricians, speech therapists and educational psychology. They are all highlighting his problems as 'language and communication'. All are saying its clear he has some kind of language disorder. I think a diagnosis might be coming up soon. Is he likely to get a dual diagnosis though because of problems with communication? Wondered if he might get ASD too even if he only demonstrates problems in one third of the triad?
It's all so confusing!!!!!

It is confusing. All I can suggest is try and not second guess it. I did last time, we are now undergoing a second opinion to try and get any diagnosis at all. I was so frustrated with the first "there's something but not sure what" statement. I am now not permitting myself to even think we're going to get a dx despite the fact the Psychiatrist has already stated judging by what she's read (my notes) and our chat we're talking about a child on the spectrum.
Good luck

sleepyhorse

The real problem is that "pediatricians, speech therapists and educational psychology" are not qualified to provide the assessment and diagnosis you are looking for. They are purely professional symptom identifiers, who should be referring you on to the correct specialist diagnostic professionals.
So "some kind of language disorder" diagnosis is the best they are qualified and able to provide. Such is the quality of the UK assessment processes, both government provided and private.

dolfrog my son was diagnosed Aspergers by SALT, paed and EP

brandy77
Unfortunately like all ASD issues the diagnosis does not identify the actual cognitive issues, only the observed resulting behaviour traits. So if your child does not match the required behaviour traits then you will need to identify the individual cognitive issues which can cause speech and language deficit symptoms, for which you need specific consultant referrals. And with the changes to the definitions of ASD 2013, identifying the underlying cognitive causes is become more important.

I agree I wouldnt try and guess what it might be and I really couldnt guess for you.

I do know some have received a dx of ASD without meeting all the impairments in answer to the last bit. But I think its a case of wait and see x

Has he been referred to a multi-disiplinary team or camhs for a diagnosis or does the peadiatrician dx in your area as I know sometime this happens.