Finally next week DS will have his full ASD assessment...and i'm a tad worried!

[genieinabottle]

Well a bit more than a tad actually .

Haven't posted much lately, used to be 'mysonben'

The date of DS's assessment is nearly here. It has taken 14 months in all from very fist appointment with Comm.Paed who pointed out that she thought DS was on the spectrum.
We had to jump through a few hoops to get there, several reviews with CP, several reports from nursery, EP, area senco, then an appointment back in november with consultant paed who decided to refer to Cahms's asd team for a full assessment
We had a pre- assessment meeting with them last february before being put on the waiting list for an all day ASD assessment.(we got a verbal dx on that day from asd team paed).

Now D day is approaching fast, i'm crumbling and falling apart at the edges
I'm hoping that we'll get some definate answers, and won't be told 'well he's mae some progress ...let's wait and see' (DS has indeed made some progress since attending p/t in a language unit since last novemnber) but he still has some delays , quirks, sensory issues, difficulties with social communication/interaction...

Just need a little persuasion that everything will ...be fine.
Thanks.

Would making progress preclude him from getting a diagnosis? Children with ASD do make progress.

My DD1's dx was done over a longer period by different professionals who saw her at different times and then reported back. I don't know how it works when a day of assessments is arranged like this.

What I would say is that my opinion counted for a lot which was a surprise. I had done a lot of reading and made sure I had examples of behaviour which matched the symptoms so that I was contributing evidence rather than opinion. I may have been lucky with these practitioners - I have read about many whose opinions were dismissed on forums like this.

If you feel that it's holding up him getting help then say so - that may make a difference.

If you find it hard to remember what you wanted to say write it down beforehand and give it to them when you arrive. Then at least you won't kick yourself later for missing something out.

When it comes to the day try to remember that it's not your responsibility to make sure things go well. Turn up, jump through their hoops, try to be as relaxed as possible for your son's sake and go home. There's no point in worrying about something you can't control.

Will you get an answer on the day? I know that ideally the results are decided straight away so that all the information is fresh in their minds so hopefully they'll be able to let you know.

Good luck.

Hiya

Good to hear from you again!!

Do you know if they are doing formal tests like ADOS/ADI? If so, I can tell you all about what happens

As Al1son says it won't matter that progress is being made as that is a good thing, they look at the core features exhibited and try to see how much of the adapted behaviour is due to support and teaching. The ADI is very indepth and asks specific questions about a child's development which will bring out core features.

The key age it focuses on is 4-5. I know your little one is about that age so it should be easier to remember these things!!

Do feel free to CAT me if I can help.

Good luck!! My DD is 2.5 and she's having a 1.5 day MAP assessment in August, I can imagine how nervous you are! Let us know how it goes. We were told we'd be allowed to watch from behind the glass where our DD couldn't see us. Am nervous about it too but hopeful we'll get more answers.

Sending pixie dust your way so you get the answers and help you want

good luck

I feel the same have my Ds's ADOS on the 6th July.

My DS was diagnosed this year. I had been really dreading it however it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. More of a relief actually.
Just think of it as a necessary step in the process. (Easier said than done I know)

Thank you for your replies.

Yes from what we were told at our february app., and from what it says on the appointment letter they sent us we will be doing the ADI, whislt DS is being observed by psy in their school setting. He will also be assessed by Salt and will be doing the ADOS.
On teh letter it says we will be receiving feedback from the professionals throughout the day and if a dx can be agreed on by everyone, we'll be told in the afternoon.

I have written some notes, 3 A4 pages atm and still going...

I'm going through moments of numbness , where i can't wait for all this, and hear what they have to say, and moments were i totally panic about it

Well i'll be glad when this is all over and done with.

Debs40 have tried CAT you, but couldn't do it, it said your settings were not allowing the facility.

I do have a few questions about the ADI and the ADOS, and since you did all this so recently, it would be great for me to have some ideas about it all.

Not sure why it did that but I've CAT you!