We had follow up cons Paed appt this afternoon. we were in for about 3.5mins and were given a verbal diagnosis. Im hoping that we will get a letter explaining his thoughts, I think it would really help.
DS4 has ASD.... there i said it, its out.
god,... that looks wierd. I mean he really does have every trait going - and id kinda resigned myself to that thought, but to have it pointed out by Paed kinda makes it more real. He told us 6wks ago that he had SLI (specific language impairment), which sounds like just doesnt talk well, but it sort of overlaps with ASD, and has quite serious undertones, problems with emotion, relationships, and huge language barriers. DS5's need for ritual, rigidity, and sameness stems from his ASD, as does his complete and total lack of imagination.
The Paed said a few things, that DS5 wasnt severely affected as:
1)there is no MR.
2)that he can understand that other people have emotions.
3)and that he can join in with games on a symbolic level (ie playing ball, or bikes) and enjoy to some degree playing with others.
4) he doesnt have hyperactivity
5) doesnt have impulsivity
6) he does have speech, which should get better with help.
Then another part of my brain suddenly switched on: HANG ON! DS5 has EXACTLY ALL THOSE PROBLEMS. however DS5 is under another Paed who is sitting firmly on the fence about a label - but is brill at getting him the help that he needs. DS4 has been offered nothing - there was a vague "he needs more extensive speech therapy" and "he will need extra help in school, particularly with how to play with others", and then a statement that completely floored/baffled/confused me..." he will probably never move out and manage on his own." now hang on a minute - this child is only just 4y/o and hes telling me that he will never be independant??? i think thats a little too early to tell!!! But i was pleased that he was as honest as he could be.
So im left coming to terms with a Dx for DS4, one which i had accepted for a while and then dismissed.
But now im left with the bewildering feeling that actually DS5 is quite severely affected, but to what degree? he can learn - hes doing brill with Makaton (PMM), but he has GDD of around 18mths (hes 3 next week).
DS1 has ADHD, DS2 is dyslexic, DS4 has ASD, and DS5 has Autism and LD. and we still dont have a blue badge !
sorry, lost the point of my thread, its all a bit much i ATM i think.