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Daughter diagnosed today unsure what next.

Deanoo

Hello. My daughter (10 years old) has just had ADOS screening scoring 13 so diagnosed with Autism. I'm not sure what next? I want to help her express her emotions and bit more but otherwise I don't want the diagnoses to change everything if that makes sense? I'm concerned that to many will now focus on her diagnoses and not her - autistic is only a small aspect of who she is i feel.. 

I'd appreciate any advice from those that have been through this stage on how to deal with it and how to explain it to her. 

Thanks 

  • Hello again,

     Sorry it was late last night when I read your post and missed your question. You mentioned about how to explain to her about ASD. I'd try and keep this positive. Some who are diagnosed see it negatively. Your child sounds very bright and clearly has a lot to offer. Focus on her strengths. This book is great for identifying weaknesses and turning them into strengths. 'Living Well On The Spectrum'. It is more focused on older teens/adults, but if you are able to read it first and explore things with her stage by stage, she will have a better understanding of her types of limitations, but more importantly how to use her strengths to manage things and overcome areas of weakness. It's the only workbook I'm aware of so quite useful.

    www.amazon.co.uk/.../1606236342

    I saw this also. I haven't used it, but it may be helpful.

    www.pecs-unitedkingdom.com/

    Other books that are more age appropraite can be found on amazon, but pick and choose carefully and you can get some great insights.

    Coogy

  • I was reccommended 'Glimpses Of Aspergers' By Marie Harder, but I must confess I haven't read it,

    Coogy x

  • Thanks for the replies. Her speach and communication is fine it's more of an inability to express emotions. She's also a pretty smart girl (few levels ahead on every subject at school) but finds it difficult to socialise. Won't make friendships, hates parties.

    I'll certainly look around at  assistive software. Can anyone recommend a book or other way of explaining this to her better? She's wants to understand more about what autism means for her I'm just not sure how best to the go about it.

  • Hello and welcome Deanoo,

       You haven't said anything about the limits of her being able to express her emotions? Is her speech limited or is it strickly related to her ability to read and express appropriately?

    If it's speech, I would reccommend you learn to sign with her when speaking to her. I did this with one of my boys and he communicates well now, both orally and in sign language.

    Additionally, you could look at a 'Social Use of Language Programme.' Many are available and her School may like to use one; if requested, given her diagnosis or if it's included in her statement.

    Now, their is also a huge aray of assistive software, programmes, App's and the like, to help with being able to express emotions or read them better.

    Hope that's of some help. Please ask if their is something more specific you want help with. 

    Coogy.

  • Hi, welcome Smile.  There's lots of info via the home pg + posts relating to being diagnosed so have a look-see.  Also ask anything you want.  Does she get support at school?  Teaching assistant or similar?  How good are the school at meeting her needs?  Imo autism is not a small part of who she is, it is an integral part of who she is.  She is not a neurotypical person with autism as an add on.  It is a pervasive condition.  That's how I understand it Smile