My 4 year old has suspected high functioning autism. She's had a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder since September (privately diagnosed by an OT, the NHS don't seem to recognise or offer therapy for it in our area), and when we saw the paediatrician for a review appointment earlier this month she said that she strongly suspects high functioning autism. But this was based on anecdotal evidence from me, and the behaviour my daughter displayed during the appointment - which was with a strange person in a strange place - and there was no formal assessment.
She's been seen by the Educational Psychologist (who agrees with the autism opinion), but no joy with speech and language therapy who seem to have a huge caseload and she isn't a priority it seems. We're in the process of the statutory assessment process, supported by her nursery, in the hope of getting a statement before she starts in reception in September. She already has 1:1 support in nursery, not with a qualified LSA but just with someone who is an extra adult, from what I can gather.
I'm really confused by the whole process - at what point does the suspected autism become an official diagnosis? Is there anything I can do to hurry along the SALT assessment beyond driving their receptionist mad with daily phone calls?
I feel like this is taking over my life a bit, and would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
