Undiagnosed

Hi floralgum,

   I have two boys on the spectrum and yes it took a significant time to have them assessed also. Given what I know now; if I had my time over, I would probably have had them privately assessed for ASD whilst I was on the waiting list for the NHS. My last boys diagnosis took so long that he wasn't supported by a statement untill he was in the second year of seconadary School. Far too late.

The first lads diagnosis was a shock and I was just left to get on with it with little advice. For the second child it was not so much of a shock, however I've always just managed on my own with it. I did little research until recently. (which was probably me in denial) but it seems i did become overwhelmed.

My experience of private assessment in other areas OT, ED Psych etc is that although the needs are assessed in similar ways, the suggestions put forward to help the child manage those difficulties, seem much more in depth. (Only personal experience you understand.) Which is why i'd probably do it differently if I had the time over again. I'm pretty sure an independant diagnosis would speed things up. At least you would not be left in limbo and one hopes that any statement would take into account those findings, even if they are not produced by the NHS. Indeed it could be merely a formality if an independant assessment finds he has ASD. Perhaps you could ask your GP. The downside of course, is the cost. When I had my son assessed by an Ed Psych privately, I had to take it out of my mortgage money. However, given that I had an LEA unwilling to assess, I had no option!

I guess what i'm trying to say (probably quite badly.) is that coping with a child on the spectrum can often be challenging. Different children with the condition cope in different ways, as my two boys have proved to me. No two can be supported in the same way even if they suffer with the same difficulties, but any support comes mainly from learning what works for your child. Irrespective of a diagnosis, he clearly needs support and by having him assessed you are doing exactly the best thing for your child. In my opinion early intervention is key when looking for a statement and the sooner you have that info, the easier it is to move forward in Educational provision terms.  One of my sons got early intervention, for the other it came too late. 

Don't doubt yourself, you are doing a great job. If you feel diagnosis is important to move forward, then go with your gut feeling, but be sure that diagnosis alone is no all you get. Reccommendations to support your child are very important.

Regards Coogy

Hi floralgum,

   I have two boys on the spectrum and yes it took a significant time to have them assessed also. Given what I know now; if I had my time over, I would probably have had them privately assessed for ASD whilst I was on the waiting list for the NHS. My last boys diagnosis took so long that he wasn't supported by a statement untill he was in the second year of seconadary School. Far too late.

The first lads diagnosis was a shock and I was just left to get on with it with little advice. For the second child it was not so much of a shock, however I've always just managed on my own with it. I did little research until recently. (which was probably me in denial) but it seems i did become overwhelmed.

My experience of private assessment in other areas OT, ED Psych etc is that although the needs are assessed in similar ways, the suggestions put forward to help the child manage those difficulties, seem much more in depth. (Only personal experience you understand.) Which is why i'd probably do it differently if I had the time over again. I'm pretty sure an independant diagnosis would speed things up. At least you would not be left in limbo and one hopes that any statement would take into account those findings, even if they are not produced by the NHS. Indeed it could be merely a formality if an independant assessment finds he has ASD. Perhaps you could ask your GP. The downside of course, is the cost. When I had my son assessed by an Ed Psych privately, I had to take it out of my mortgage money. However, given that I had an LEA unwilling to assess, I had no option!

I guess what i'm trying to say (probably quite badly.) is that coping with a child on the spectrum can often be challenging. Different children with the condition cope in different ways, as my two boys have proved to me. No two can be supported in the same way even if they suffer with the same difficulties, but any support comes mainly from learning what works for your child. Irrespective of a diagnosis, he clearly needs support and by having him assessed you are doing exactly the best thing for your child. In my opinion early intervention is key when looking for a statement and the sooner you have that info, the easier it is to move forward in Educational provision terms.  One of my sons got early intervention, for the other it came too late. 

Don't doubt yourself, you are doing a great job. If you feel diagnosis is important to move forward, then go with your gut feeling, but be sure that diagnosis alone is no all you get. Reccommendations to support your child are very important.

Regards Coogy