Autism diagnosis in teenager

[TintinIsBack]

Re posted from chat as I’d like to have more input

This is vey much a what would you do....

I have always thought ds2 was somehow on the spectrum. Tried to get some diagnosis when he was little (around 7~8yo). SALT said the way he is presenting was congruent with autism. CAMHS said everything was fine (despite the regular meltdowns, inability to make friends etc etc). I gave up at that point and decided to try and support him the best way I could assuming he probably was somewhere on that spectrum (The idea being that even he wasn't, whtaever I was doing wouldn’t be detrimental to him iyswim).

Fast forward to now. ds2 is a teenager. Still has some 'issues' but is coping well with school etc... Except ds1 has just asked me if I thought ds2 was autistic (because of the way he reacts). ds2 is in 6 form. In two years he will be at Uni and I am actually not sure he will cope well tbh. And the issues he had are still there (but I suppose we have all got used to them if that makes sense)

I am starting to wonder if I shouldn't be pushing for a possible diagnosis again. But
1- is it really worth it?
2- how do I broach that with ds2?

Any advice?

We got a diagnosis privately. We met with the consultant together, I met with him on my own and he shadowed her for a day at school and spoke with her teachers. This was over a period of 4 months and cost £600. Another consultant quoted £2000.

The whole process was definitely worth while. My daughter and I both have a better understanding of how her brain works.

I didn’t push for the diagnosis to be on her medical records, but her school has been happy to accept it. If she wants it on her medical records when she’s older, that’s up to her.

She has an individual learning plan which allows her extra time for assessments and the option of working in a quiet room or wearing noise reducing ear plugs.

Getting the diagnosis was the last piece of the puzzle for us.

Was your dd aware that she could be on the spectrum?

I’m thinking that ds2 might well be quite oblivious and I’m sure how to approach that…

I planted the seed and suggested we see someone together, to rule it out more than anything.

The conversation I had with her went a bit like this…

‘You know how you see numbers as colours? And you know how you’re sensitive to some fabrics and fussy with labels? And you’re super sensitive to smells? Well, sometimes these are linked to people on the autistic spectrum and sometimes these people get frustrated ans feel overwhelmed. I wonder if you might be on the spectrum?’

I also explained that it often runs in families and we had a bit of fun suggesting that she gets it from her Dad - he is obsessive about lots of strange things, like light switches, toilet roll and remote controls!

Oh I could certainly make the link with his dad (and his grand father too!)
Not sure DH will appreciate though.
Or that that ds2 will appreciate the comparaison with his grand dad

Thanks for this.