Now have a firm dx, but not what I thought it was going to be!

[Blossomhill]

As you all know dd has been fully assessed yet again but this time by a lovely pyschologist who is an expert in adhd/asd's.

She saw dd at school yesterday and has now reassured me that although yes she does have autistic traits she doesn't fit the diagnostic criteria for an asd/AS dx. Apparently her behaviour at school is really good and the way she interacted at playtime too was good.
I was a bit shocked as had been preparing myself for an asd dx.

So now the dx is like this speech and language disorder with autistic traits and adhd. Which tbh is enough and probably does describe dd's needs the most.

I did feel a bit weird at first, although as you all know dd has been such a complex case from the start. At least I know we have seen the best in the field and my mind is at rest.

The one other good thing was that they are going to closely monitor dd and the traits and see obviously if things do change and she may well get an asd dx later on. Will just have to wait and see.

I think the medication has made a huge difference to dd and helped a lot with the social skills.

So now I really want to channel all my energy into helping dd (obviously I do already do things with her). Apparently I need to start using more declarative language (RDI) and be very firm with my time outs and consequences (which I am going to do).

So that's it really for now!

Bloss xxxxxx

hope this puts your mind at rest a bit :)

Dear Blossomhill,

Have been keenly following your threads as my ds has similar patterns as your dd. DX ADHD with autistic traits but is social and not enough for firm dx as ASD. DS is 3 but Speech and lang is delayed(about 18mths).Am really glad to hear that you have found some peace with assessment.

DS is 3 weeks into meds(respiridone) and we see a diffrence even though were afraid and sceptical to try this.He sits for longer and speech and lang is improving. We are using omega 3. Can u tell me what your DD's reaction was?

Have also been referred to RDI and timeouts etc have worked wonders at school.Am learning to use this more effectively at home.

ASDNewbiexxx

Hi Bh,

I did find that getting DS1's diagnosis really freed me up from worrying about that and allowed me to concentrate more on strategies for helping him. Very much hoping that you find the same.

Good luck

Dino

Pinkkerplink - thanks :) it has actually. As person I saw is top of her profession and I really do trust her judgement.

Asdnewbie - yes your ds does sound similar to dd although it was very quickly changed from delay to disorder for my dd. I am very happy with the dx and I think it is exactly the dx that dd needs. It explains her very well and the fact that she will be monitored very regularly also puts my mind at rest. With regards to meds my dd is calmer, concentrating more, communicating much better and socialising too. Even today when we went into town normally she have been all over the place but today she was so good. Also she wasn't bumping into people like she used to do. Generally she is happier too. Honestly if you had seen her 6 weeks ago you would have been amazed. I'd be really interested to hear about the RDI you have been doing asdnewbie :)

Dinosaure - I feel exactly how you describe. To be honest it has never been about diagosis as such as dd will always be the same. I guess I just needed reassurance and I have had so many conflicting views that thankfully now I can finally say that yes this is how it is and move on. Also leaves the option open for secondary school now as langauge disorder remains primary need.

Bloss xxxxxx

hi blossomhill... I know what you mean about being shocked... its like they tell you one thing.. and you get your head round it.. begin to accept it.. and then they change it and your back to square one.. getting your head round it again.. accepting it... etc... I find the whole thing exhausting!

Do you think they would have DX differently without the meds? I just wondered if being on them has given them a different picture of her.. I mean you wouldn't give your DD calpol before she went to the doctors in case they didn't get the whole picture.. IYSWIM...

I'm glad they are going to closely monitor her..

Rummum