Diagnosing

I'm very sorry to hear the problems you are having with diagnosis. It certainly does seem that there is a wide variation between local authorities on the approach to autism. My son was diagnosed just after his fourth birthday and we have attended a couple of groups for autistic children where they have received a diagnosis at three and even eighteen months old. The educational psychologist we saw was very supportive and took a real interest in both our son and the other little boy who was diagnosed at the same time. Like other people have suggested your local Child Development Unit should be more helpful. I know its tough, but keep fighting.

My parents are still angry with the school for not giving a name for my problems. My parents have told me that they were waiting for the school to tell them I was a bit autistic, as they themselves suspected this when I did not enjoy being kissed goodnight and the fact that I was not into cuddles. I also walked on tip-toes, but only when I had no shoes on, which my mum thought was very odd. THe school were not good at all. I got a statement of SEN, but my social problems were not addressed.

I too am confused. If the paed is suspecting autism then he/she should be arranging for testing and diagnosis. Ed psych are not needed for a diagnosis and are not qualified to diagnose either. Their role is to support within an educational setting and it certainly is not their job to tell you that your childs needs are caused by having children close together. In short, if the paed suspects an ASD then they need to be referring your child to a community paediatrian or child development centre where he can be fully assessed and diagnosed. It doesnt have to be local. You can request to be referred to your next closest centre.

my sons ep was insistant he was not autistic but he was diagnosed in oct her reasoning was' his too bright', fight for a diagnosis and good luck! by the his 5 .

Mum24

Where do you live - what local authority area?

Zoe

We had to fight until our son was 8 years old when he was finally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and a few months later with co-morbid ADHD.  So like the other posters, I say keep fighting.

Hi Mum24

All i can say is fight fight fight. My son is going to be 3 in April and i've been raising concerns since he was about a year and a half old with the HV. He's currently seeing SALT and has an early nursery space due to being referred by them. After constantly raising concerns with HV even after this he was finally referred to a pedeatrician, the waiting list for an appointment was 10 months and we've just had confirmation of an appointment for next month. Through out all of my dealings so far with the health care service, they are very reluctant to use the word autism. SALT actually said to me they can't say the word unless the parent carer broaches the subject. 

Hang in there and keep fighting, i know i will. I kust wish we didn't have to.

I'm confused do you have a diagnosis from the paed / SALT?

If the professionals cannot agree you can ask your GP to refer you to another hospital for a second opinion or a specialist centre.

EPs don't get involved in diagnosis here. Its CAMHS who do diagnosis.

Is the EP trying to put you off applying for statutory assessment for a statement of SEN. I can't see why an EP should put you off getting a diagnosis. My son was diagnosed at 2.5 by the way. And he shows social interest in his parents.

Mum24

i am old enough to remember the doctor's receptionists who thought their job in life was to stop as many people as possible from bothering the poor doctor. A lot of ed psychs remind me of them. They seem to spend all their time acting as gatekeepers for the local authority. I have met some very good ed psychs. But a lot of them are pretty awful when it comes to autism. 

You should tell your ed psych that the most positive outcomes for autism are associated with early intervention. How are we going to get early intervention without early diagnosis? She has got her facts completely wrong. Average age of diagnosis was 6 in 1997 and 98% of parents reported serious concerns prior to their child's 5th birthday. My source is this study by Howlin and Moore. 

I would keep asking for your little one , it sounds like AS, i wish u good luck with that keep us posted x

hallo  i actually did some reasearch my self on this website because i didnt have any help at the doctors when i had taken my son so i gave up on that one I actually told my sons educational phycologist  that i have been reading on this site and it sounds like my son  and that was how he got diagnosis he was then refered my son has HFA and is 9 years old x

Hi Mum24, You have to fight for this for your little one to get the right support. I raised concerns when my daughter was 9 months but did'nt get a diagnosis untill she was 4 and a half!!! Shes HFA and we got our diagnosis in a letter through the post!!!!! Good Luck

My son was not diagnosed with Aspergers until he was 18 years old.  It was too l;ate to get him the right help at school because of his age and that has affected his whole life.  It is so important to push for an early diagnosis so the best educational support plan can be put in place.  If the educational psychologist is not being helpful, perhaps your GP can arrange a referal to a specialist.

You have to fight for a diagnosis. We fought very hard to get a quick appointment and we won. My son was diagnosed in June with autism, very similar traits to your son, except he can manage eye contact with those he trusts and loves and will say I love you. I would advise to keep at the educational pyshcologist to get your son assessed as it is harder to receive help without a diagnosis.