What is even the point of diagnosis??!!!

My son is 15, coming up 16, and was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD in October. 

i've always known he's on the autistic spectrum but he's slipped through the net quite spectacularly, and I feel totally let down by the school and the system.  Anyways- apart from the school panicking he's going to fail his GCSEs (probably purely because of his league tables!) and throwing extra maths etc at him, very little has changed. I don't feel there is any support or understanding or anyone to turn to with regard to him leaving school and becoming 'independent' which he really isn't. 

I actually feel I've been punished for coping too well, and I'm pretty terrified about him going to college and getting there in one piece. And now I have to prove he needs help!!! Is the diagnosis itself not enough proof that he MAY actually need support???? how do I PROVE that my son won't go anywhere without his mum??!! Has no friends?! Is adamant he isn't going to college??!! And what's worse is his brother is 15 months younger and Mr Sociable, never home, really confident, and like a huge spotlight pointing at his brothers difficulties. I feel more alone than when I knew I was right pre diagnosis :( 

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Ruby's experience is really positive and demonstrates that diagnosis can be really useful.

    Although ASD isn't an illlness, he may benefit from guidance and counselling assistance from CAMHS services. These are obtained through the health service rather than through the education system. Speak to your GP about your concerns.

    What does he think about his difficulties? Does he want to be more social and independent?

    Packing him off to college, before some of these difficulties are addressed, may make the situation worse so I would not push him too haard in that direction for the moment.

Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Ruby's experience is really positive and demonstrates that diagnosis can be really useful.

    Although ASD isn't an illlness, he may benefit from guidance and counselling assistance from CAMHS services. These are obtained through the health service rather than through the education system. Speak to your GP about your concerns.

    What does he think about his difficulties? Does he want to be more social and independent?

    Packing him off to college, before some of these difficulties are addressed, may make the situation worse so I would not push him too haard in that direction for the moment.

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