Is this a diagnosis?

[SexDrugsAndSausageRoll]

Finally had the letter from the initial social communication clinic. There is no clear statement such as diagnosis: xxxxxx, but the conclusion says:

(Number of positive points)....the history would point to a diagnosis of high functioning autism. We recognise xxxx is benefitting from.....We would recommend xxxc has further social communication assessment by xxxxx as that is where she has her greatest challenge'

Is it saying we think it's this based on history, but we need to assess further? Or would they not say it at all if unsure?

Recommendation 3 is a referral to a post diagnosis support group

Yes it is a dx.

I'm not against it... I just do wonder how they never use plain speech???

I really struggle when talking with them in general

Doesn't sound black and white enough for me, I'd go back and ask for clarification. Although I'm not sure that will really change anything.

Is it possible to have a social communication disorder without it being ASD?

Well that's really what I needed.... more limbo

Surely it's autism. How is it possible to not have a social communication disorder without it being ASD? It's one of the 3 triads of impairment isn't it?

Funnily enough when you read the whole report it says far far more about sensory and other areas! Yet this is greatest difficulty?! She is only three and can play alongside and is starting to mix in much better

Zzzzz... I'm a bit confused to be honest by your input? It doesn't say one of three.... it refers to one area being the greatest challenge. I've quoted a small part, my query is the language 'would point to a diagnosis of...'

Recommendations are

Sensory feeding group
Observe in social group
Refer to Cambs for post diagnosis supper
Early bird
Review in 6 months

The recommendations point to diagnosis, but there is no clear statement of diagnosis

Doesn't sound like a confirmed diagnosis to me. Sounds like they think it's likely but further assessment is needed.

We had "We acknowledge that X meets the criteria for ASD"

Try asking them to send a revised letter with something like that if they don't like "diagnosis".

I too would be worried about limbo. Then again not many people have asked to see our report. I've always said "diagnosis of ASD" and I can't remember anyone quibbling.

You can ask for changes if you need sensible changes in reports. Don't feel you have to lump it

Just to add - after our SAC assessment report arrived (it took 5 months!!) I asked for some supplementary info for school and the SALT was happy to oblige.

We had ADOS indicates levels of ASC but need to look at it alongside other observations and reports.

Then a letter saying multi disaplinary panal all agree X meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ASC.

I'd just ask as suggested already. It doesn't need to be confrontational - you can simply ask for clarification whether the letter is stating a diagnosis of high functioning autism?

Although, one of the recommendations is for a post diagnosis support group, which indicates that it is a diagnosis, because you can't attend a post diagnosis group if you aren't post diagnosis....

My daughter only struggles with social communication. She has no sensory deficits, no repetitive issues, no anxiety, is fine with changes in routine, no obsessions and is a very happy child. She cannot speak clearly and finds it difficult to initiate and sustain conversations. Her diagnosis is ASD.

Lougle... that's what I thought...

The letter is full of grammatical errors, typos and repetition so it's quite hard to read

E.g

"Gaps in receptive language could be due to attention or." (End of paragraph... or what?"

Some sentences just have loads of repeated words, it's massively not proof read.

I feel daft asking, I've not felt a great rapport with them