Hi all,
My 5yr old son has an ASD diagnosis which was formally given last August, just before he started school. He's attending mainstream and is statemented with his own support worker for 23 hours per week.
We have our challenges, as you'd expect, but overall he's doing really well.
We were sent an appointment for the hospital to see the consultant paediatrician, for tomorrow, but I'm not 100% sure why, or what to expect.
The last consultant we were seeing was "only" a regular paediatrician but she is well known for understanding autism and was quite simply amazing. As many parents have, we'd had a tumultuous journey up to that point with poor doctors and little understanding from health professionals who should know better.
We're seeing a different consultant tomorrow, and I'm not sure why. Looking at her profile it says she's an expert in paediatric neurodisabilities and complex health needs. I'm guessing she's an autism "expert"...??
How often is a normal follow up with the hospital for autism? Do they keep you under regular review? I'm really unclear where the line lies between medical care and ongoing help with interacting with him (he's verbal but struggles with expressive speech, tending more to echolalia).
Is there anything I should be asking or focussing on with the doctor? I'd appreciate any advice.
Thank you all