Autism Advice - first meeting with paediatrician

[jemmm]

Hi,

We've had concerns about our (nearly) two year old male twin for sometime now. Recently, we got our excellent HV to have a look at him and within no time, we had appts. with a speech therapist, who immediately refered us to a consultant paediatrician at Harrogate CDC.

Everyone appears to be looking at autism. And certainly that's what we think is at the root of this. There's stacks of ticked boxes next to the symptoms in each of the three key areas.

After an initial burst of activity, I think we feel a little at sea, and we're hearing bits and pieces about the consultant, that contradict what we understand to be the best way forward.

In short, DS is nearly two, and we've heard that early diagnosis and intervention leads to significantly better outcomes - we obviously want access to the resources and services available - and are unsure whether diagnosis is necessary for this.

We've also heard that diagnosis can take a "significant amount of time" (years?), and that the consultant we are seeing won't diagnose until the age of seven.

Is this usual - or are just hearing a touch of gossip. Has anyone any advice generally about the first appt. or about Harrogate CDC specifically...

Sorry to rant - help!

J+E

Hi Julia,

I saw our SaLT this morning - I can't fault her; she is very good, and we talked through a few things and she's put my mind at rest a little about Wednesday.

From what she told me, I'm seeing the "other one", the one most others see... She did say that your paed was far more tentative in his approach.

I'm not sure - but I don't think you're getting a shortened version - is it possible you're getting a preliminary assesment?

We got into the system via. drop-in SaLTS. Long story but we were in Knaresborough -she refered us on direct to SaLT in Harrogate, we live in central Harrogate, and will be at the next NAS meet - although I think this is a while away.

My mum works for Leeds Libraries - I'll find out more. As for portage, I believe that the Surestart centre on Wetherby Road has portage drop-ins - so they maybe worth looking at.

What's happened with your SaLT - have they dropped of since your visit to the paed?

Jemmm

Hi Jemmm,

Glad the meeting went well, it good when you find someone you have confident in. like the sound of drop in sessions, see if we that that sort of thing in Bristol.

Regarding reflux, I've been lead to believe it is related and is a sign. i don't believe it caused delays. also had huge problems breast feeding, certain this is linked too ( caused me huge grief as wanted to do all the right things). His dribbled his entire life (having said that, it is beginning to improve i think due to strengthening as talking now).

must be said ds always had good eye contact with parents, interest in toys - although delayed, and not always as you would expect, but did investigate them, before going back to wheels and doors. don't recall him pointing. seem to regress at 2, but as say improvements at 3.

we hadn't heard from SALT but we rang her last week to see if we could start something before the meeting in July and she is now coming on Friday, now all I need is for DS to co-operate with her (he usually hides under a blanket and pushes people off the sofa with his feet if he doesn't want to talk to them). I do intend to be at next Harrogate NAS meeting so hopefully will meet you there!

Jemm, Thought you might be interested in local resources - I got in touch with Carers Resource and they sent me this for social activities for SN kids in Harrogate area:

"There are not many activities for preschool children with disabilities. The ones I can think of are: Riding at Follifoot which is organised through the CDC.
The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust near Leeds which provides riding therapy with donkeys to children with special needs. Highly recommended by families.
Special needs swimming sessions for the under 5s held at The Hydro (Twinkle Stars).
Allsorts hold a drop in group at Winkies in Starbeck on a weekly basis. On Mondays a discounted rate gets you into the 0 ? 4 years group. This is also open to other families. On Mondays at 3.45 ? 5.15 there is an exclusive session to which siblings are also invited to attend. Cost £2 per child. If you are interested I can get you a family pass to access the facility at the discounted rate.
The Yorkshire Yoga and Therapy Centre in Knaresborough also offer sessions for children with special needs." They can also help you with DLA forms.
Julia