DS2 diagnosed with ASD today - had convinced myself he would not meet criteria

[KOKOagainandagain]

2nd opinion at GOSH. Masses of information from parents and school (at least 10 hours of different questionnaires), DISCO, ADOS, WISC-4.

Uncannily accurate but, at the same time too little, too late and on all, all so unnecessary. In reality, we are now back to where we were in January 2014. Except I had convinced myself that 'this' didn't meet criteria.

GOSH ask about local support (criteria for referral). It is frankly embarrassing to have to explain that camhs don't do asd and comm paed only see DC for statementing.

I feel such a cynic

Wow, what a week keep!! Be kind to yourself

I haven't been following all your news but it sounds as though you're going through the mill.
Wishing you lots of luck

Wow! I hope I'm not in for the same! Sorry OP you sound like it has been a long hard road. At least there is a clearer picture now. Mine is 3 and only just did an ADOS.

I too, have become totally cynical.

Saying that a diagnosis, or multiple ones have really helped us in lots of ways, not just the fight to get those diagnosed needs met. Understanding what my kids face makes life easier because I no longer try to do the impossible. I like our bubble - it makes life bearable.

I hope you are celebrating getting this far - you should be really proud of yourself.

Given tribunal (original date) hearing is days away and parents and the school are 'frosty' to say the least, I suppose that the diagnosis means that at least I don't have to do a moonlight flit rather than face the teaching establishment raising their collective busom in a critical fashion with a 'I always suspected that they were making it up' knowing look.

Bring on the sympathetic head tilt, and, I demand a carrot related 'cure'

Lol . You haven't mentioned the cut out articles that are intended to guide you.

I used to hate the school run - there was always something.

Good luck with Tribunal. Our LA has form for settling the day before.

Hi KeeponkeepingOn1, if I remember correctly did your DS "passed" the ADOS at his first assessment?

I'm glad you stuck to your guns and got your DS assessed for the second time. Just keep on going, I know exactly how your feeling, but don't ever give up and good luck with Tribunal.

Wow, glad you finally have your answer. Just keep battling on as you have been, your doing a fantastic job!

Keepon as someone said upthread, you should be proud of yourself for getting through it all.

Good luck with the tribunal.

Thank you all

The thing is that DS2 was the same - just the interpretation was different. He 'passed' the 1st ados with a consultant dev paed who had said that regardless of the scores on the day he would get an asd diagnosis. But he didn't. Because its a snapshot. If they had taken account of the SALT and OT profile that existed prior to referral to dev paed it would have been so much clearer. But my diary was free for that year, so hey ho ...

But to anyone whose child 'passes' the ados, I would recommend GOSH - they are thorough and insightful if a little naive wrt follow up if you can afford to wait (gp referral and then 3 - 5 appointments at GOSH) the best part of a year.

Will go to hearing at original date if we have to but seriously hope that we get adjournment

Oh Keep, You must be on an adrenaline rollacoaster. I hope you are okay.

I am always amazed at the strength of Parents like you. You're not silly. You KNOW that you are putting yourself through torture but you keep going even still because your child needs you to.

I know it isn't over yet, but you are moving down the path of progress and you should be so proud of yourself for how far you have come.

Good luck with next steps.

it's been a long old tough road.