Referred to developmental paediatrician. "Quite possibly on the spectrum"

[MidnightDinosaur]

First time posting here, sorry if I get anything wrong.

Ds2 was 4 on Monday, after 2 years of really struggling with him I finally bit the bullet and went to see our GP. I explained all my concerns and the GP was really understanding and really made me feel like I wasn't just imagining things which is what I've been worried about.

Right on cue, ds2 threw a right tantrum in front of the GP over a toy his brother had that he wanted.

GP confirmed that his behaviour did seem extreme and he'd noticed some small things on previous visits (to do with other things) and has referred us to a developmental paediatrician. The GP said "I do think he could quite possibly be on the spectrum" but never went any further (I assume he's not qualified too?) but what exactly does this mean? Does anyone know what will happen from here?

I'm just breathing a big sigh of relief at the moment that he took me seriously and we have started the ball rolling but a bit worried about what's to come.

You GP thinks that your DS might be on the autistic spectrum but GPs are not qualified to diagnose autism.

when you see the developmental paed, paef will probably take a detailed developmental history of your DS, milestones, anything unusual etc; play with DS a bit and observe him. If paef thinks your DS might have autism, then your DS will probably have at some point a diagnostic assessment (such as ADOS). Often, the paed will refer first to SALT and/or OT to get their opinions. But it usually all takes while.
Hth

^Paed (not paef).

Thanks choc, yes it does help.

Can I ask/do you know if ADHD would be included in this too? As tbh, I think that's more what we are dealing with here.

Will the paed only be looking for autism or will they look at everything that could possibly explain his behaviour?

the paed will be familiar with asd and adhd (among other things). I would in any case make a written list of all concerns, milestones etc and maybe also keep a diary.

The Paed will look at all possible diagnosis.
I would suggest you get yourself a notebook and write down things as they occur to you. What things did you notice as a baby? How did he do reaching his milestones? When did he first talk? What about movement?
And make notes about day to day life. What is a typical day like? What things does he enjoy? What triggers tantrums? What about facial expressions - does he grin when naughty? What makes him cry? Does he understand when others are sad? What does he do? Does he think you can read his mind? What makes you think that?
Is he different in different places? If he is good at nursery - what is he like afterwards?

And anything else - even if it seems silly, it could be useful.

Thanks again choc I am a list maker so I have a spare notebook or 2 I have lying around that I can use.

mummytime thank you for that list, gives me something to work on until we get a date for paed appointment through.

One thing that stands out from that list is "Is he different in different places? If he is good at nursery - what is he like afterwards"

He is different in different places, his kindy have absolutely no problems with him at all, and neither did the childminder before that. That's one of the main reasons I haven't been to the GP sooner. I thought it was just my crappy parenting at fault as he was great everywhere else. He just seems to explode when he gets home.

"He just seems to explode when he gets home."
Do not blame yourself! He has been holding it in at those places, then when he gets to his safe place (home) it bursts out. All children do this to an extent. (Lots of parents will talk about how foul their DC can be after a school residential.)

Of course as he gets older if there is something underlying it - it will burst out in other places. And possibly really badly.
The other possibility is that he will get so used to holding it in that he will withdraw.

It is so good that you have spotted something, and are getting to see someone at such a young age.