If Aspergers is diagnosed what help would DD get?

[EccentricaGallumbits]

Forgive me - I/We're having a bad day.

DD2 (12) currently waiting for PDDAG assessment. Possible aspergers. It's been months since she was referred and will be many more months before she is assessed.

But days like today I wonder if there is a point in a diagnosis. If/when she has a label it won't make her better. It won't make her any easier to live with.

What sort of help/treatment/support is likely to be offered?

Getting a dx will firstly point out the areas that are cause for concern... So you have an idea of where to start helping.. It may also ( as in our case)... Highlight areas of concern that I wouldn't have picked up myself.

It depends what those areas of concern and strength are to what help you can be offered..
And this is different for every child.

For ds2 he gets extra support at school, with the transition up to secondary, a card he can use to go to his safe space in school if he is getting overwhelmed.. Communication and social skills training, training with recognising his and others emotions, and communication skills training.

But it really does depend on which bits your dd needs a hand with to what she'll be offered.

It won't guarantee support (ds has had very little) but you've got more chance of getting it with a dx than without. A lot of services will require formal dx before they can work with a child (our Autism Outreach for example won't touch without it).

You can go on NAS training seminars if you've had a dx or are in the process. They may not accept you otherwise and you could learn a lot about how to support her.

Also, without intending to alarm you, she might be coping fine just now but if she isn't in the future a dx will help her access help then. If she's struggling in a year or two's time you'll have to go through a lengthy palaver before you can get support. Far better get it now then you've got 'the label' if you need it. No skin off anyone's nose if you don't use it.

Your right in saying a label won't make her any easier to live with.. However with stratagies for the right areas of concern.. You and your daughters lives could be a lot happier/ easier.

Stratagies ime are key.. They are the magic pill.. That and understanding why they behave the way they do.. That really helps too

Extra support and help at schools x

My DD (13) feels that her recent diagnosis gives her an identity which makes sense to her. She understands why she's always felt that there was a part of life going on that she was missing out on. She understands why school seemed so difficult to cope with when the other children were happy and relaxed. She is generally happier and more at ease with herself now. Another benefit is that she is now a pupil in the mainstream autism base in her school and has more in common with the other pupils in there than she has ever had with any of her other peers - she feels that she belongs to a group now rather than peering in form the edge.