ADOS Assessment Result - 23! Bit shocked.

[Titsywoo]

I knew in my heart of hearts he was on the spectrum but thought it would be mildish (ed psych said probably mild but she only spent an hour with him). We went with a private assessment with a lady recommended by the National Autistic Society. This lady is also a senior clinical psych for CAMHS in Berkshire so is NHS and private. We had 3 meetings - 90 mins with me, DH and DS as an introductory meet, 90 mins ADOS test with DS and two clinical psychs and then today a 2 hour developmental history with me and DH. School filled in some checklists and observations (they were pleased we were having the test as they said he shows autistic tendancies) and we filled in more questionnaires.

The only thing that concerned me is I read it is supposed to be multi-disciplinary? Is that right? DS was first referred to Ed Psych by his SALT who picked up on verbal dyspraxia and 'other definite issues'. We were referred to CAMHS by ed psych but wait is 2 years in our area so after 18 months we decided to go private as my DH and DS relationship was breaking down and DH needed an answer (DH also likely ASD but not diagnosed). Anyway CAMHS actually called recently and said they will see him for a full day in Nov/Dec and will diagnose by end of day. I assume they will do multi-disciplinary? The private psych who diagnosed is able to talk to LEA/school if they refuse to accept private diagnosis and she says they tend to accept her diagnosis since she works for CAMHS anyway.

So my question is should I use CAMHS as a second opinion? I don't think she is wrong it was just when she said he is quite severely autistic I was a bit surprised. She said his 'flapping' behaviours were extraordinary and both of them had never seen it so extreme. I guess I am so used to him it seems normal!

Also although everyone says he has dyspraxia he has not been 'officially' diagnosed (private assessment said yes but we had t pay for the official diagnosis and we couldn't afford it!). I assume CAMHS don't cover this? Not sure why ed psych didn't refer us to OT as well then? Or maybe our CAMHS do everything.

Any thoughts appreciated :) Thanks.

I'm glad you're getting some answers. It can be a lot to take in when they're diagnosed, especially if they're assessed as more severe than you expected (we had this with ds, who was assessed as moderate).

I would personally still get the CAMHS assessment done as well. That way you have an 'official' NHS diagnosis in case any future school/LA don't take the private diagnosis. You'll have to think about what you'll do/think if CAHMS come up with a different result though.