Initial paediatrician assessment for autism by phone: what to expect?

[bathsh3ba]

My 11yo DD's referral for an autism assessment has been accepted by the Community Paediatrics team, they've received completed forms from me and school and have booked me in for an initial phone consultation. Just wondering what I should expect to be asked and whether it's then likely to go to a specialist team for assessment? We are in South Gloucestershire.

I'm probably going to be quite tearful as I spent most of my DD's life so far trying to convince myself she isn't autistic....

Hi we just had our DS' first assessment over the phone. The consultant spent an hour asking specific questions, taking detailed history. It was fine but I was emotional I know he's autistic but it has taken years to get to this point. Plus my eldest was diagnosed at 15 last year.

I was in denial for a long time hoping it would all go away. I felt better after the first assessment had a cry for ten minutes, felt flat for a day but felt better after knowing we were getting on with things.

It's a difficult time be kind to yourself

We had a video call and it wasn’t too bad as it was answering lots of questions in a factual way, and trying to remember what she was like as a toddler.

The in person child assessment was different too, but again structured so not emotionally difficult. They then called back an hour later with the result. I did find some parts of the report weren’t quite right from the call but I was able to comment and get it changed.

It only sunk in the next day. Then when the report arrived a few weeks later. I’ve been up and down emotionally. Sometimes she seems fine and interacting well and I feel fine.

Thank you. The community paediatrician spoke to me for about an hour and has referred DD to the local autism hub for a full assessment. She said she isn't a 'textbook' case but there's enough there to warrant further investigation as girls can present differently. I'm relieved the 'experts' are finally going to decide and it's off my shoulders, if that makes sense. I've already told DD if she does get a diagnosis, it's hers to do with as she pleases, she doesn't have to tell anyone if she doesn't want to.