I have a GP appointment tomorrow to ask about referral.

[Holycowiloveyoureyes]

I've finally bitten the bullet and made an appointment to discuss my concerns about DS and the possibility of ASD.

I've made a list to take with me, they said it's up to me if I bring DS or not, I don't' think I should should I? I don't really want to talk about him in front of him iykwim?

Any other tips? And why do I feel like I'm betraying my lovely boy

I was in such a position about a decade ago. You're doing just great!.

You don't have to take DS with you to this apt with the GP. GP should anyway refer you to a developmental paediatrician.

You are not betraying your boy at all, you are being his advocate and that as well as being the best mum you can be to your boy is the best and most important thing you can do. He is very lucky indeed to have you!.

Please be kind to yourself!.

You are his best - and only - advocate. Never forget this.

How old is your DS btw?.

He is 6.

He can be the sweetest, lovliest boy. I feel bad that I'll be sitting there saying only negative things about him.

School say he's fine there but all his stress comes out at home. There's either something going on with him or I'm a shit mother.

I've got a huge list of my concerns so I'm hoping it'll be easy to get a referral to the appropriate services.

Hi Holy
Your ds sounds exactly like mine (also 6) I have been trying for over a year to get him referred, gp said i was over exaggerating and if I thought there was a genuine problem i should go through the school nurse. I did that but have since changed doctors. Saw new gp with lists of concerns last week and too ds to meet him last night. He is making a recommendation to the school nurse that he is referred straight away! I am thrilled as i was honestly losing my grip on reality wondering whether all this is in my head and really i'm just a dreadful mum who can't cope. But just having one person believe me has taken so much weight off my shoulders! Ds's teacher has been fantastic, she says he's disruptive in class, but like your ds he saves himself for home!!
I also had in my mind a few of ds's good points even though they're also slightly negative. As in, he's really kind, but to his own detriment, he's generally well liked at school, because he'll do anything people say to get friends! Just a few positives made me feel like i wasn't just going in to criticise him!
Best of luck, i hope you get your referral, but if not, don't give up. A mother's intuition is the best diagnosis.

Thank you banana.

I've had years of family and friends telling me he's fine, everyone is quirky, he'll grow out of it etc. I've always had a gut feeling something is not right. He hasn't grown out of things, in fact he's got worse and as he's got older the differences in him and his peers have become more evident. I can't ignore it any longer.

Good luck with your referral too.

Many thanks! Although i think we are actually the same person with the same families! I try and take comfort in the fact that i am the person ds trusts most in the world to show his anxiety to but when he's going through a particularly bad patch it's hard to remember!
Let us know how you get on!

I will do.

I two think all the things you do. But you are his only advocate that is so true. I constantly get told he is totally fine! But as you say the older they get the evident something is up.

I also think that if he is totally fine, I must been the one with issues as my perception of what is ok for a child is way off wack!!

GP has referred him to CAMHS.

He seemed a bit offhand when I said he was fine at school, said so he's only like it at home then?
I already feel like a shit mother so that didn't help. What if it is me that's the problem? Maybe we've gone very wrong somewhere?

Just stop it young lady and stop beating yourself up.
This post alone shows you care for your son and all you want is the best for him!!

My dd is " find" at school well she is highly anxious as she holds everything in and has huge meltdowns at home it can be common with children with asd.

Fine not find