Getting a diagnosis for my daughter at 2 yrs old

Hello,

My little girl was diagnosed with Autism at 2 years old and we were advised by so many people that it was too young and it wasnt possible at 2, we should wait until she is 4 or 5 yrs but we wanted to go ahead because we knew that it was the only way to evaluate how we could help her, what therapies...she seemed to be slipping away from us and I couldn't wait.  To any parents out there is the same situation please dont worry about the idea of them being 'labelled' people are so much more understanding than I thought, I have had some ignorant comments but from most it has been interest and concern, they want to know how they can help.  For us, getting a diagnosis was a positive thing and while it was upsetting it also gave me hope that now I know exactly what is wrong I can learn how to assist my daughters development.  We started with Play therapy (done by me, researched how to on the internet), floor time, modelling her to look at me when I came in the room, we have had speech therapy, equine therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, looked at her nutrition and quite a few other methods.  She has come on so much over the last year and she has now found a new passion - painting.  Here is some of her work www.irisgracepainting.com  I hope this will inspire other families to consider getting an early diagnosis if they feel in their heart that something is wrong. 

Parents
  • Hi - an early diagnosis is v important.  I read now + then on this site that some parents are told they can't get an accurate diagnosis until a child is 4-5?!  I don't understand this, unless the autism gives the appearance of being so mild it is difficult to diagnose at a very young age.   My son was diagnosed at 2.9 months + that was in the 80s.  The 1st person to suggest he may have autism, when he was under 2, was someone without any qualifications to their name.  Yrs later another person asked if he was autistic, again no qualifications whatsoever in any respect.  Makes you think, doesn't it?  Altho I do accept a professional diagnosis is very important, esp if they are little, so they can access the understanding + support they need.  You sound like a great mum.....good luck with your little 1.

Reply
  • Hi - an early diagnosis is v important.  I read now + then on this site that some parents are told they can't get an accurate diagnosis until a child is 4-5?!  I don't understand this, unless the autism gives the appearance of being so mild it is difficult to diagnose at a very young age.   My son was diagnosed at 2.9 months + that was in the 80s.  The 1st person to suggest he may have autism, when he was under 2, was someone without any qualifications to their name.  Yrs later another person asked if he was autistic, again no qualifications whatsoever in any respect.  Makes you think, doesn't it?  Altho I do accept a professional diagnosis is very important, esp if they are little, so they can access the understanding + support they need.  You sound like a great mum.....good luck with your little 1.

Children
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