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Just getting started on the diagnosis ladder

tea is magic

Hello, this is all very new, although we have been sure for a long time, my son is likely Autistic.

It's been just over a week since I saw my GP to get a referral, and today I am going into school to chat with the SENCO lady.  Please excuse any bumblings or the like on my part.  This finally admitting that there is a problem, and now we are being taken seriously. 

Right from the word go I was convinced there was a problem with my son, not wanting to play in the garden as a toddler, high ICT skills from pre-school age, and now at 8 a very obvious disposition compared to his peers.  We have been in contact with the school for a couple of years, voicing my concerns, these were until recently just dismissed as quirky behavoiur.  He was diagnosed with Dyspraxia, around 2 years ago, and that was that, no advice, just that he would probably grow out of it.  We were just advised to have more patience with him.   

I know I probably have no real place, posting here, as we don't have a diagnosis as yet, but I am uncertain how long the process can take.  The main things are helping Myles in his emotional well being, supporting his education, and seeking advice on parenting - so I do not destroy his personality, as I am in fear of doing this at the moment.

My neighbour's grandson has Aspergers, and we have regular contact with his mum too.  It was during our contact that I began to chat about Myles, and the similiarities between the boys really set the wheels in motion, for acting now.  I am not self diagnosing Aspergers, but just admitting to the reality that Myles is autistic, in all probability.

I know I am not presenting much information, but not sure just how much to give, I guess just at the moment, it's nice to know that this place is here.  Thanks for reading.

  • That all sounds very positive for you all..now you will need some time to digest what's been said and decide your next move.

    At least you have time now over the holidays to work out some strategies. You know Myles best and probably have already got some ideas of what he needs. Talk to as many people as you feel necessary then make up your own mind.

    I am sure some of the more experienced parents on here will be glad to advise you if you have any questions..plus there is the helpline and education line on the NAS main site.

    I am realising there is a lot of help out there when you start trawling around.

    Good luck  and please let us know how you are doing.

    xx

  • Update - We have been to see a speach and language professional, and she seems sure Myles ASD, rather than ADHD, which was the schools latest conclusion.  I am just really happy to be finally on the ladder for helping him.

    It was recommended that WAVE be commenced in school however, SENCO is not sure this is the best approach and is looking at a someone coming in from another school, who have a Aspergers unit.  The hospital were just going to leave it at that and maybe contact me in a years time!! But I persuaded them that seeing them in a few months would be more ideal, so we can see what happens with WAVE or anything else that is offered.

    Everything just seems so damned confusing, lots of non-commitment (although this may just be my impression), lots of departments or organisations of whom I know nothing about.

    Myles had an hours assesment on his own, it was brilliant for him.  He felt better for voicing his opinion and being taken seriously, which it important in my book.  We haven't really spoken about what he may have or may not.  Conversations have been more along the lines of... "you don't have to fit in, you are special and important, it's no fun being a sheep".  He is accutely aware something is not the same as his peers, but I didn't want to fill his head with any assumptions or misleading info.

    The lady made a great deal of his sense of 'dodgy' clothes, that itch or just feel funny on his skin. The constant changing of food likes and dislikes, the sense of random organisation - all this from just his time with her, so I am super impressed with that.

    The hardest bit is trying not to read too much about anything, just in case I am heading in the wrong direction.  I hearald the start of the new school year and hope we continue to help Myles feel less frustrated and know how to support him more.

     

  • Also, here's some general information about diagnosis in children which you could have a look through:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/About-autism/All-about-diagnosis/Diagnosis-the-process-for-children.aspx

    Good luck.

    Sandra

  • Hello tea is magic

    Thanks for posting. Anyone who is interested in autism is very welcome here and you certainly don't need a diagnosis to post. I am very glad to hear that your GP is taking your concerns seriously. This must be a very worrying time for you and your family. I hope you are finding the support that you need right now. If there's anything we can do to help, information that you need, or questions that you have then please do let us know. There'll be lots of people who remember the uncertain times you are in and others who are in the same situation - would be nice to hear from anyone else here too. Keep in touch.

    Sandra