Our referral has been accepted.

[Holycowiloveyoureyes]

Got a letter yesterday saying DS has been accepted for a referral with the autism team. We'll get an appointment in about 20 weeks. I take it this is a normal timescale to was it?

Also they said they'll be in touch shortly to arrange a home visit to discuss the difficulties we're having with him.

This has sent me into a flap! Are they going to judge our home? I already feel we're at fault somewhere and feel like they're going to be judging our parenting.

Aarrgh, this is so hard.

Was it should read wait!

Put that 20 weeks in writing with the name of the person who told you, and send it back to 'clarify' and confirm your expectation that you will get an appointment then.

And enter the communication onto your log.

Hi Holycow, ds and I waited just over 20 weeks to see the autism team. First a specialist HV came out to see us and ask us lots of questions. She was very understanding and I did not feel like I was being judged. We saw a clinical psychologist quite quickly then an educational psycologist who also came out to the house. Just before we got to see the Autism Team we saw a developmental paed.

I think 20 weeks is the normal waiting time where I live. It felt like a very long time but after our first appointment with the autism team it all happened very quickly.

I never once felt like my parenting was being judged so dont worry about that. My advice would be to read up on autism and keep a diary of your ds's behaviour so you are prepared when you get there. The more prepared you are the less worried you will be, hopefully.

Good luck x