Diagnostic process for AS

[hhbubbles]

My 15 year old DD has got an assesment with an educational psychologist in 2 weeks time. Does anyone have any experience of this or know how these work?

We have been trying to get a diagnosis of AS but have had no luck with our GP as he is very set in his ways and doesn't believe in these diagnoses. Will the educational psychologist be able to help (or refer) with this?

I am concerned that it is going to be very difficult to convince professionals of DD's problems as i believe she is very high functioning and teachers have never shown any concern due to her brilliant academics. Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this?

Any thoughts or suggestions on this would be most appriciated.

In this area you can go via a paediatrician or CAHMS. At 15 it might be easier to get referred to CAHMs.

Ed psych can't diagnose but can exert a bit of pressure to get a referral to someone who can. DS1 was diagnosed with ASD a couple of days ago. He's 14. It has taken until now to get anywhere and it is down to finally getting a great ed psych who could see his problems. I see you posted a few months ago and hope things have moved on for you since then.

A full assesment from a specialist would take account of what you say as well as outside info. At some point someone should do a diagnostic measure which would look independently at specific capacities that are impaired in ASDs. I think these are either the ADOS (observation scale) or ADIS (interview schedule). She should show clear cognitive impairments or differences. An educational psychologist may do an intelligence test to look at overall ability but mostly to look for asynchronous abilities so great in some areas but really poor in some others and should also talk extensively to you and visit home and school. They could then make a referral to specialists for consideration of a diagnosis but can't make it themselves. Hope that helps. We went through all of this when my son was 7. We thought he wasn't, school thought he was. The scales showed conclusively that he was miles off having an ASD and his difficulties lay elsewhere. Best of luck.