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ASD Diagnosis Today

4 replies

clareykb · 07/07/2022 16:18

After a long wait and what seems like a squillion assessments my lovely, happy, funny 8 year old daughter got her ASD diagnosis today. She doesn't have an EHCP at the moment but ed Psyc is advising it for the future. I just have really mixed feelings, she did well in her cognitive assessments so as been described as high functioning but I just really fear for her future. I work in a related field but with much more severly disabled children so whilst I'm very familiar with ECHPs etc its different when its your own. Any words of wisdom on what to do next? FEeling a bit down :(

OP posts:
Toomanyminifigs · 07/07/2022 18:52

It's a very bittersweet moment isn't it? When you finally hear those words from a professional.
When my DS was diagnosed, my DH cried at the appointment. It's perfectly understandable to feel knocked sideways, even for those people (like me) who had to fight and fight for a diagnosis.
Right up until I got the actual diagnosis I was thinking 'maybe he won't get one'.

Be kind to yourself and (I say this because this is what I do!) - try not to think too far into the future. I can sometimes go down the spiral (especially at 4am) of thinking: What will become of DS? Will he ever get a job/partner etc? But that way madness lies.

Your DD is still the same lovely, happy, funny girl she was yesterday. All that's changed is that she will have an explanation of why she finds certain things difficult. It will help her at school and to navigate the world better.

My DS is actually proud of having autism now. He refers to it as his 'super power'. He likes knowing that he's not 'neurotypical' and that he 'sees' the world in a different way.

Of course it's not all plain sailing and he has a lot of difficulties and challenges. These change over the years though, just like with any DC as they grow. You sound like a great parent who is doing their absolute best for their child.

Have you told your DD about her diagnosis? We told our Ds as soon as we came out of the appointment. I explained it in very basic terms and he started coming back with questions a few weeks later.
For me, I wanted to tell him straight away so he understood that it's nothing to be 'ashamed of' or frightened of. I understand there's no one right approach though.

clareykb · 07/07/2022 22:13

Thanks for your lovely reply, I haven't told her properly yet when she was being assessed I told her that the ed was seeing if she thought in a different way to other children which she found somethings tricky at school and was really good at other things like historical facts (that's her specialist interest-Horrible Histories and powerful women throughout history which I have to admit is quite a good one!) my plan was just to keep bigging up the things she does really well but saying that's because of her autism and doing the same with things she struggles with.. so more of a drip feed really but who knows what I'll actually do! Your DS sounds fab I hope my DD can be proud of her super power

OP posts:
LargeLegoHaul · 08/07/2022 10:39

If the EP is advising an EHCP for the future I would apply now.

RaisingAgent · 08/07/2022 22:46

my lovely, happy, funny 8 year old daughter ...

This is such a lovely description to read, and is a statement of the most important things. Yes, your DD may well struggle with aspects of school/learning. She may need an EHCP. Things may get tougher for her, as you worry about, when she gets older. But you and she will grow in self-knowledge and understanding of autism, you will pick up skills to support her, and you will find ways to navigate the journey ahead of you both.

How awesome that she likes HH and historical women! She sounds brilliant :-)

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