Saying hello - DS has upcoming ASD assessment

[RobotGoat]

I hope it's ok to post in here, as my son (4YO) hasn't been formally diagnosed with ASD yet. He's been referred for a diagnostic assessment which is due to take place in October. We've suspected ASD since shortly before he turned 2, but it's taken a long time and quite a few SALT and pediatrician visits to finally get to the formal assessment stage. I feel quite anxious about it really, which is silly - his developmental delay will be there regardless of what label goes on it, and his nursery/future school have been great with support regardless, so the assessment feels like it shouldn't really matter. It does, though! Part of me wants to have a label so I don't feel like the delay is my fault and so I can more easily explain to other people what's going on with him, and part of me doesn't because it feels so final. I suppose I'm just posting so I've got somewhere to look for support when things get tough, even though I'm not looking for any specific advice right now.

So, just saying hello, really

Hello

Diagnosis has been the best thing for us, ds can't remember not knowing he was autistic and I think that helps, it can be a lot harder for older kids and teens. Good luck.

Hello.

It's not you fault .

Thanks both

Professor I do know that, really. I feel less anxious about it being my fault since my DD's been around, as we did exactly the same things with her and she's following a fairly typical developmental path. I do still sometimes find myself looking back and wondering if I should have read more to DS or encouraged more play etc. I'm not great at playing myself so never really knew what to do with him when he was a baby! It's an irrational feeling though, and I do know that really.