If???

[pandyandy2]

If a child was referred for ASD Assessment yet did not meet whatever criteria for a diagnosis of ASD, would it just be a case of that's it now, no ASD, just get on, or do he team of professionals often diagnose what they think is the actual cause of the child's developmental difficulties?

Thanks.

Behavioural nurse, after observing DS2 in class, said that he met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD but felt there should be further investigation re ASD. Consultant initially thought ASD and definitely not ADHD. Then, following ADOS, changed her mind and said definitely not ASD so must be ADHD.

I asked for referral to GOSH HF ASD clinic for 2nd opinion.

He was then given a definite diagnosis of ASD and there was no further mention of ADHD.

It can often be the interpretation of one person (hence why GOSH have mutlidisciplinary panels and pay attention to existing reports and collect lots of data from home and school) at one point of time. It can't be really be set in stone and often, for one reason, or another, profs err on the side of caution if they are not absolutely sure.

I have sat in on lots of assessments for DS1 and DS2 and it seems that it can seem as if there are a couple of 'moments' of clarity relating to what DC do or don't do, or say or don't say in response to diagnostic questioning that can be the most revealing in terms of meeting criteria. But, even if there is one 'thing' (like fairly typical eye contact) that is not 'what was expected/is expected of a DC on the spectrum', this can be sufficient to result in doubt because as the initial consultant said to me, ASD is a life-long diagnosis and can never be taken away.

Thanks for those replies, that makes things clearer!

I am a black and white person but this whole process is much about the 'grey areas' and it's v hard to get used to that... but I am/we are ...gradually

xx