I have autism and ADHD myself diagnosed since a child. My child at around the age of 6 started displaying challenging behaviour which over the years has got dramatically worse, to the point I have gone through numerous support services and submitted multiple SPOA referrals. Over the last year, I have also started picking up on big hints of Autism that I recognise from my own diagnosis.
The first SPOA, went no where and ended up lost during covid.
The second referral completed by the school, was more successful but ended up getting rejected (not enough evidence), how on Earth can you have evidence if they won’t see you to complete an assessment!! When I was a child, my diagnosis was found because I went for a hearing test and they noticed things and told my mum by asking her questions about my behaviour etc. and submitted a referral. I was seen by a specialist who then worked with me and I was diagnosed eventually with Autism and ADHD.
The third referral (the mental health team submitted), the doctor I saw didn’t agree with the rejection, has been rejected a week after the paperwork was resubmitted with the help of the school.
I am getting frustrated now and it’s getting me down, I cannot deal with the behaviour of my son, without help, especially with my own diagnosis. The system seems very broken to me, I assume because of how overwhelmed it is but I need help. I’m a single dad as well, which adds to the problems. Getting screamed at, shouted at, being cussed, hit, stuff thrown at me, my things being damaged, I could go on. He’s so smart too, he will sit and read through a 300 page book in one sitting. He’s told school he manages his behaviour at school but gets angry when he goes back home.
I just don’t know where to go from here? Can anyone help?
I have completed EHA forms again, but I don’t think it will bring anything to the table as I’ve already done it before. I believe what I need is him sat in front of a specialist!