Autism in complex needs childrens - basic info and pointers pls.

[Toots38]

DD,3.6, is to be assessed to she if she is autistic. I know nothing about autism and would like to ask for some pointers for good sites or books. I've googled and a world of info comes up, so I was hoping someone could help me out! Thanks.

The NAS website is a good starting point and there are links there to other sites and books.

Hi toots, ds2 was dx's with autism alongside other dx of cerebral palsy & developmental delay.
Really the dx criteria was not different to that of a child without such complex needs except I would say there was probably a longer watch & wait period just in case some of the behaviours were attributable to pre existing conditions.
Autistic behaviours and diagnostic criteria are quite specific so in the end there was no doubt & it has helped us all understand ds2 a little more.
Without knowing what is more complex in your childs case I would guess that the standard books should still help you identify the autism from everything else :)