• Replies 1 reply
  • Subscribers 25 subscribers
  • Views 497 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

multidisciplinary assessment

misschief

Hi all. I am new to this site and am looking for a bit of help/advice. My 2.9 yr old son has been having multidisciplinary assessments each Wednesday for the past 3 weeks, however, we was told to go home early this week as my son was far too stressed out to continue. Myself, husband and our 11year old daughter are all walking on egg shells at the moment due to my non verbal sons constant growling, hitting himself in the head, face and ears. We can't speak to him, sing or (sometimes) even look at him, a lot of the time without him becoming stressed out, tense then the growling starts. I truly believe the playroom assistants, specialist health visitor, and speech therapists that have been present at these assessments see my son's difficulties, but they give nothing away ( all we have been told is to prepare for an ASD diagnosis but this was after one home visit, this week told that my son's anxiety is causing him to growl ?? And sensory issues). We meet with the senior consultant this Wednesday on my son's final assessment, but I'm worried sick that due to my son's age we will not get the diagnosis and help we desperately need. Does anyone have any suggestions of questions I could ask the consultant this week, or does anyone know what happens when there is no diagnosis. I'm worried sick. Thank you xx

  • Hi - I don't see why you won't get a diagnosis.  My son was diagnosed at 2.9 yrs.  He was non-verbal.  If the consultant says he has autism I wd ask what services he can access, such as speech therapy, occupational therapist etc.  Also if they have any written literature you can take home with you.  Then there's this site which is full of info via the home pg + the posts which is very helpful.  It sounds like your son is v stressed + as he is presently non-verbal he has to express his distress in other ways.  I think they were right to suggest you went home early as his stress wd only have kept on increasing.  Professionals who are involved in the diagnostic process may know pretty quickly in some cases that a child is autistic but they still have to go thru the process, that's their way.  As he's non verbal you need to find a way to communicate with him, such as PECs (pictures). You can do him a daily timetable + show him the pictures so he knows what he's doing.  He will more than appreciate a set routine. These 2 things are v important to bring stability into his daily life.  Have you identified what sensory issues he has?  Touch, sounds, textures,tastes, visual?  Something I learnt over time was that I had to stop relating to my son as a neuro-typical (not autistic) child.  I had to appreciate how autism affected him as an individual.  For example, say you're out somewhere + it's v noisy.  You may find it irritating (as a neuro-typical person).  If your child has a sensory issue with noise then you can multiply that feeling by x5, x 6 or more.  It cd be intolerable for him. Have you noticed if he understands single words and/or phrases?  My son didn't speak till he was 5 but understood a number of words, phrases, pictures + always liked numbers.  If he has a particular interest then get involved with that - get into his world.  But really spend time learning about autism.  By doing that you can be a great help to him + over time you will feel more confident + he will feel better as well.  Also, before he starts school, presuming he is diagnosed as autistic, make sure he gets a statement of educational needs so he can get the support he'll need at school.  Sorry if I've suggested things you are already doing, also sorry for going on a bitSmile