Early intervention team?

[Lily86]

Hi my son is 22 months and my HV has agreed to refer him to early intervention team as he is showing signs of possible autism. Was wondering what happens at these appointments?

There is no standard. Which LA are you? or where in the country?

Someone might be able to help if they know where you are.

It might be called different things in different areas of the country. But generally, if you raise concerns like this with your HV/GP you'd be referred to paediatric services (with us it was called Social Communication Clinic). Either way, you're likely to see a developmental paediatrician to start with.

First appointment is likely to be pretty simple and straight-forward - meeting your ds, asking questions about him, development, behaviour etc. Possibly playing a bit with him to get a snapshot. If there are further cause for concern you're likely to then get a further appt where a more detailed assessment will be done.

Make sure you tell the dr everything at the appt - it's easy to forget things and remember afterwards! Maybe make a list of all your concerns and take with you?

What are your worries about your ds? There will be plenty of support and advice for you on this board if you want it

Actually thinking about it, the 'early intervention team' might not mean a developmental paed - we had an 'early intervention officer' when ds was at nursery after he'd been diagnosed - her role was to liaise between us and nursery to make sure he was being supported there.

Might be worth a call to your HV to double-check exactly where she's referring you - you need to see a developmental paediatrician at this stage.