Autism diagnosis- what happens next?

[littleballerina]

DS is 12 and after seeing various professionals since he was about 2 they've finally said ASD. He has also been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and anxiety over the years.

The report simply says that he is on the spectrum and to tell the school senco.

What if anything can we expect to happen next?

Have you been given or promised any follow up appointments? Is your DS being given or in need of any help at school?

Sorry, I've sent you over here and you still haven't got a lot of responses.

From diagnosis we got a 2 hour evening session on autism - not exactly much help.

I had already applied for statements prior to diagnosis based on social and behavioural needs. If you feel your son needs extra support at school then this is one route to go - it would probably be worth talking to the SENCO first to see what support they can put in under school action etc.

Is your son seeing anyone to help with the anxiety. My boys are under CAMHS. We tried medication for one but not successful in his case. The most useful thing CAMHS has done for us is to add support to trying to get a specialist educational placement. They could offer CBT type therapies as well if you think your son would be able to access them - mine will only enter the building under duress so a non-starter for them.

Thankyou.

The letter just said to let the school know and that as there is no mental health (???) issues that CAMHS would no longer be involved. Not sure on how anxiety is not MH related but..!

Spoke to SENCO but the head of SENCO wasn't there so they're letting her know and calling back after half term.

He already gets a little help at school, things like use of a quiet room for when he becomes overwhelmed but that's about it.

We're waiting for his next TAC meeting after half term so I'm guessing things will become clearer then.

Oneineight- don't worry! Thankyou for suggesting it!

No DLA etc which I don't understand anyway and so haven't looked in to.

We didnt understand why anxiety wasnt a MH issue either little Dd3 was discharged from CAMHS a week after they diagnosed her.

We have had a bit of a battle on our hands to get support but do know have a great Paediatrician on board, she is referring Dd3 back to CAHMS to hopefully do some work with a clinical psychologist for guess what ...... yep her anxiety!!!

DLA is basically money to help with all the extra things children with SN's need or things that cost loads more money like sensory toys, clothes without seams weighted blankets etc. The list is endless. Your claim is based on how much more you need to do for your child on a daily basis. If you do decide to apply get a copy of the CEREBRA guide from their website it is really helpful.

Keep coming on here for loads of great advice from loads of very knowledgable people.

Good luck

Oh and with your diagnosis letter and or DLA letter you can get carer goes free entry to most attractions. Make the most of it, if your Ds likes to be out and about.

With DLA you can also get a CEA card for cinemas they cost £5 but mean your child can take someone to the cinema with them free.

These are benefits that our children need because they are not able to go out with their peers unaccompanied like most children their age.

To insist that they keep him on their caseload do I just need to phone and argue my case?

I'm not sure at the moment that he does need anything extra things but I'm guessing that I don't know enough about what may/may not help him. So I guess DLA is something that we'd look into more in the future?

Thankyou, you've all been fab. It's odd to suddenly put a name to his quirks. He seems to be quite relieved, almost like their is a reason that the worlds an odd place for him. He told me yesterday that he'd confided in a friend which I thought was sweet. His friend has always looked out for him but recently has outgrown him as they all start to become teens but he's not mentally at the same stage.

DS sees a support worker for his behavior and emotions and apart from that it's just school SENCO.

At the time of the last TAC meeting salt got involved and did an assessment which I'm guessing was used towards the diagnosis but she said one her assessment was done she wouldn't be involved any more.

Ask for a referral to an OT trained in dyspraxia and sensory issues. Since getting a handle on the sensory stuff DS's anxiety has finally been brought under control as he no longer spend his days totally overwhelmed. I had no idea small changes to his environment could make such a huge difference. An OT can recommend a sensory diet for school,advise on laptop or other equipment use for school and importantly any adjustments to help with public exams.

Have a look at the info on the dyspraxia foundation website - some very helpful tips for school kids of all ages. They do fact sheets you can print out and refer to.

thankyou, that's really helpful.

Who do I ask for a referral to an OT? SENCO?

Right- Do I ask CAMHS for that?

That'll be mn ;)

bugger