Help for my friend who's child may be autistic

[kflex]

Hello! My friend lives in Manchester and her child is 20 months. She is struggling with her communication and has been assessed by paediatricians etc. They are leaning towards an autism diagnosis but a formal diagnosis appears a long way off. I thought I'd engage the experts (i.e. you) to ask what helped you? My friend is a very strong woman and incredible mum - but typically she tries to do it all, but I want to show her she doesn't have to. There is support and advice out there.

Good places to start are parent support groups - both in real life and online. This website summarises lots of the support available in Manchester. Hopefully there will be e.g. drop ins or coffee mornings she can access without a diagnosis yet.

hsm.manchester.gov.uk/kb5/manchester/directory/localoffer.page?localofferchannel=0

Facebook groups like Embracing Autism or Autism Inclusivity can be good places to ask for advice.

The book "How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child" is also really good, and I think lots of the advice would be good for any sensitive child, not just children who end up with an autism diagnosis.

YouTube can be good. I like a channel called Nurturing Neurodiversity (run by another UK mum). She talks a lot about the bit where you are waiting for diagnosis and you don't know what's going to happen.

Great, thanks a lot x