autism

[ben5]

my ds2 who is 4 is going to be assessed on Friday to see if he has austism or is on the spectrum. what should i expect from this appointment and what should i ask? thanks mn

Not clear if this is the first assessment you are attending? i would expect that the diagnostic process would be filled with assessments by Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Paediatric Doctor, Educational or Clinical Psychotherapist if not more.
No child can be just assess in one session and diagnosed with autism
The most reliable source of information with relation to autism is NAS The National Autistic Society and to find out about the correct diagnostic process follow the link
www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2376&a=14655

good luck
stay in touch i can help in the future

Who are you meeting with? Have you had any meetings with Paediatrician etc? Not too sure but our first meeting was with a paediatrician who told us verbally that DS was showing signs of ASD. We have an assessment coming up to receive the formal diagnosis

Hi, My son was diagnosed at nearly 4. I think all council areas differ but in Bradford we went to the paed. first then she set up the assessment which involved the paed., speech therapist and play nurse. They basically played some games with him and monitored his response. They also observed him at pre-school, then after 6 months said he was autistic. I think if you know or have an inkling it is a relief as you can start to get help. My son goes to a social communication group twice a week (instead of his pre-school) and they help with his communication and transition into reception. It is really working wonders. I also went on the Son-Rise seminar in London in January and picked up some brilliant tips on how to play, engage and help him develop

he started speech theorpy in the new year and she recommand seeing a paediatric and psychotherapist. we see the paediatric on friday and the psychotherapist next week. she is seeing me by myself before seeing ds2 and then with the reports from speech and paedricatric she will make a decission of where to go. very nervous of outcome.

ben5 with regards to the outcome - its unlikely they will say straight away re a dx - they might say he has traits or whatever - just remember your son is what he is, whatever they call it - he's still the same boy - an early dx has the advantage of putting into place the help he will need both for himself and for you as a family - i know its a tough process - good luck with it.

we saw the paediatric and he's almost certain he has autism. we see the psychologist next week but it looks like my little man has autism. in away pleased as knew he wasn't like ds1. nice to have your thoughts almost confirmed

Hi Ben5, my ds2 (9) is also on the spectrum. I am glad you are getting answers and your suspicions are being confirmed; it can be quite a stressful time, so keep posting and look after yourself x

thanks mumsnet. it's nice to know you are there. will keep you informed of how this week goes.

ben5
In case you didn't know and apologies if you do, you can apply for DLA without a diagnosis.

waitingforgodot thank you. we were told at the appointment but we already recieve because he has a doggy heart to!!!!!!! ds2 is one of a kind!!!!!!!!!!! ds1 isn't much better either as he has a nut allerhy and is very bright, he gets extra work at school!

i've seen the paediatric and psychotheapist. they have put him on the spectrum of autism although mild. he see a speech theopist as his speech isn't that of a 4 year old!!! they are suggesting he gets help at school so thats starting to shape up!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'm glad in a way that they agree he is austic. problems are easier to solve when you know what the problem is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for being here

It does vary; some areas have a CDC for example where all professionals are absed, others hjave specialists who claim to do a Dx in one meet (eek IMO), ours has a Paed then see everyone else over a year system.

But you will get ots of advice on here from all types of people and if you feel like emailing me (peachesandcream 04 @ bt internet . com) I have soem rpesentations from Uni (I have 2 spectrum children plus am doing an MA in asd) that i can happily send over to you covering diffeerent areas,

Thinking back to process ehre, fiorst meet would generally be a history session, usually guided by an interview such as DISCo or ADI-R (google) and then referrals would be amde for OT, PT, SLT etc

Ben. beleive it or not I am sure there are otehr people on here with ehart conditions and ASD you know.....

ASD is rarely a stand alone condition, but comorbidites are usually similar dx's; I know here if there was a comorbidity such as heart issues they would suggest genetic screening.

Just to reassure you, with decent input mild ASD children can achieve hugely. Actually, most can but milder children canreally function highly as an adult and fully participate as any other

clarissimo- wouldn't it be so nice to have normal children!!!!!!!! but we love the fact that our's are different and deal with it. i'm glad peolpe have responed to my thread. it has given me great support. it's good to hear that some can do well as adults as all i want to do is cuddle him and almost keep him 4 as he's just lovely although bloody hard work at times!!!!!!!! i know at the moment i can help him but in 10 years time will it be so easy for me to be there for him and guide him but that is the case for all kids isn't it!!!!!!!!! arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh i'm beginning to sound like my mum pass me the gun now!!!!!!!!!!!!

ds2 is going to get extra help for school starting next term! don't know how long for yet but it's a start and the school are always keen to keep support teacher with them through primary!

'Just to reassure you, with decent input mild ASD children can achieve hugely. Actually, most can but milder children can really function highly as an adult and fully participate as any other'

Mine's 15, heading for 9 GCSEs at A and B grades, a scout and a kayaker who is more polite, helpful and generally lovely than the average teenage boy.
He's had appropriate help and support from different people and it works very well.

So Spot On Clarissimo.