Point scoring

I'm intrigued by the "not scored enough points" bit. It is true that if you go through the AQ test you need to score enough points to be an indication of a diagnosis, but the test is only a pointer. It is based on the Triad of Impairments and is a way of toting up a number of characteristics that point to autism. By itself this just isn't enough. As your son is a child, presumably, the AQ test wouldn't have been appropriate.

Otherwise the remark about "not scored enough points" suggests the paediatrician has certain notions about indications of autism, perhaps a tick box tool they don't properly understand. It really is worrying how many professionals out there are working with people potentially or actually on the spectrum, who are neither adequately trained or adequately informed.

Some "professionals" will look for things like "gaze", or the ability to do simple puzzles. Some children on the spectrum will have difficulty making eye contact and looking down all the time - others will manage. Some of the puzzles really are not up to the task.

Others will make ridiculous assumptions about whether a child seems OK with other kids (as if they can see what happens out of sight of adults), or is able to do school work, or has normal hobbies. You do really encounter some appalling ignorance of what is evidence for autistic spectrum. Hunches are simply not good enough.

I think you need to challenge the paed' to explain the basis for this assertion. They need to be able to demonstrate to you where your child meets or doesn't meet criteria.

The triad of impairments can be found on the NAS website under "About autism". However the triad is a diagnostic tool and excludes things that can be confused with other factors. The NAS 'about autism' pages explain other things like sensory sensitivity. Read through these pages, get yourself better informed, and then you will know whether the paediatrician knows what he/she is talking about.

Good luck

I'm intrigued by the "not scored enough points" bit. It is true that if you go through the AQ test you need to score enough points to be an indication of a diagnosis, but the test is only a pointer. It is based on the Triad of Impairments and is a way of toting up a number of characteristics that point to autism. By itself this just isn't enough. As your son is a child, presumably, the AQ test wouldn't have been appropriate.

Otherwise the remark about "not scored enough points" suggests the paediatrician has certain notions about indications of autism, perhaps a tick box tool they don't properly understand. It really is worrying how many professionals out there are working with people potentially or actually on the spectrum, who are neither adequately trained or adequately informed.

Some "professionals" will look for things like "gaze", or the ability to do simple puzzles. Some children on the spectrum will have difficulty making eye contact and looking down all the time - others will manage. Some of the puzzles really are not up to the task.

Others will make ridiculous assumptions about whether a child seems OK with other kids (as if they can see what happens out of sight of adults), or is able to do school work, or has normal hobbies. You do really encounter some appalling ignorance of what is evidence for autistic spectrum. Hunches are simply not good enough.

I think you need to challenge the paed' to explain the basis for this assertion. They need to be able to demonstrate to you where your child meets or doesn't meet criteria.

The triad of impairments can be found on the NAS website under "About autism". However the triad is a diagnostic tool and excludes things that can be confused with other factors. The NAS 'about autism' pages explain other things like sensory sensitivity. Read through these pages, get yourself better informed, and then you will know whether the paediatrician knows what he/she is talking about.

Good luck