Working diagnosis of autism

[MustBeThursday]

DD1 (4yo) has been having assessments with autism services and today we got a letter stating she has a working diagnosis of ASC.

We were expecting this. The paediatrician stated that this was her opinion when she referred into the autism services. The SALT and her nursery teacher have implied they agreed with this. DH and I have been concerned for some time that this might be the case.

Why the f**k do I feel really tearful now? It doesn't change anything. We knew this was the likely outcome. It's not going to make life harder than it already is. If anything it might help get support in place at school when she starts reception in September. So why do I feel so rubbish about it.

Just seen this. You will get more traffic in the SN Children section.

Yes this is normal to feel like this. DH saw me crying afterwards and said "but it's what you wanted!"..... err no it's not what I would put on my Xmas list is it?!?! You are grieving. It will get easier. Best of luck.

Apply for DLA. Use the cerebra guide and really think about all the things you do for your DD that you don't even think about any more. It's non means tested and I was much happier when that letter arrived as it's a good amount. Don't put it off

Thank you for your reply @tartanterror. I hadn't though about applying to be honest, the paperwork they sent wasn't terribly clear on eligibility. I think it's just taking on board that it's not just a case of "catching up" anymore. None of the resources are anywhere near where we live either. I'll get the post moved if I can.

If it’s any consolation living near resources doesn’t really give you a better chance of accessing them :(

We are going through the same apart from the fact our DS is awaiting a diagnosis I just wanted to say your reaction is normal and I often find myself crying too

I think that it's because up to the point of it arriving in black and white, your mindset, rightly or wrongly, is that autism is a possibility among other things. Once it's confirmed as a definite, that's when the 'Whoah, there's no other explanation now, this is IT' reaction happens.

Take your time to process it, then you'll be able to advocate for her and get any interventions she needs put into place.