What do I need to know for the first appointment at Communication Clinic?

[Aika]

DS most probably has ASD. We've seen Community Paed who has referred us to SALT and Communication Clinic. The appointment is soon, but I am not sure what to expect from it. It should last about 1 hour and there will be one doctor present, I am not sure of her qualifications. What would most likely happen there? Should I expect a Dx? Should I push for Dx? Is there anything I need to do to improve our chances for proper Dx and then statement?

Sorry if my questions sound naive. It's just been very difficult to get any info on the process from the professionals themselves. I was previously told that there need to be at least 2 professionals in the assessment in order to diagnose ASD, but I was now told that only one would present. Very very confused.

Hi Aika,

I'm not an expert, but my son is currently going through the diagnostic process too. Here's how it's been for us.

We saw the community paed for our son just before he turned three. She referred him for a multi-disciplinary assessment and asked the speech and language therapist and clinical psychologist from the autism clinic to see him before the MDA.

The assessment appointment is now quite soon and we've received a letter with some info - it will take about 90 mins and the panel will include SALT, clinical psychologist, developmental paediatrician and a play therapist. We will be told their decision on the day and there are three possible outcomes:-

1. Yes, our son meets the criteria
2. It is unclear, so they want to see him again in 6 months
3. No, he does not meet the criteria

I think only a developmental paediatrician or a clinical psychologist can diagnose autism (although hopefully someone else will jump and correct me if I'm wrong) so as long as the person you are seeing next is either a clinical psychologist or a developmental paediatrician then a diagnosis could be made. They should also be getting reports/info from the SALT and community paediatrician so that will help.

Could you contact either the clinic where your appointment is taking place or else the community paed to find out if the next appointment is definitely the assessment/diagnostic appointment? Maybe you'll be having more assessments based on the outcome of your next appointment.

I was told that if there was any doubt they would not diagnose, instead they would review in 6 months, but I'm sure it varies from area to area. I guess if you have particular areas of concern, or traits that you are worried about, make a list with examples as it's hard to remember everything on the spot and it would be frustrating to come away from it thinking 'I wish I'd told them about xyz'.

Good luck!