• Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 25 subscribers
  • Views 1012 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Where do you start with Autism diagnosis/assessments etc?

TXB

Hi,

It was recently brought to my attention that my 2yo son is highly likely to be on the spectrum.  I have done a bit of research, watched videos etc and my hubby & I realise that he displays approximately 90% of the traits.  We have therefore decided that he must be tested asap.... that's where I ran into a lot of confusion and I am hoping that I can get some clarification on the best process to take when first embarking on this journey.

I tried to contact the helpline on this website since yesterday... calling all day long both days and not got answered once - it just defaults to the answer machine.  So I have contacted a group called Autism Consultants who provide private assessments.  In addition, I contacted the hospital where my son was born and they can put me in with a Paedatric Neurologist who specializes in Autism.  

What is the best way to go?  Do I go through a paed who then refers you to various other specialists or am I better off going straight into a private assessment?  OR, is there another route that I'm unaware of?  It all seems quite confusing - maybe because my mind is not thinking too straight at the moment as I am feeling quite emotional at the moment.

In addition, can anyone recommend a good consultant or company that I could contact (I am based in London).  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Parents

  • Thanks Jim V.  I have tried again today alas to no avail. I will email the address on the site to try and get an general information pack sent out.  

    Stranger - it was my son's GP who brought this to my attention but couldn't give me much direction as to where to start due to the fact I am doing this outside of the NHS.  His recommendation was to contact this site, hence my post.

    As there seems to be no clear cut 'right or wrong' way we have decided to see a few consultants and get their professional opinion and go from there.  We saw our first one this morning, have been explained about Autism, the process of elimination and he recommended starting with speech therapy.  We feel reassured from this and are booked in with the speech therapist on Friday.  We hope that this will help our son.

    Thank you for your input, it is appreciated.

Reply

  • Thanks Jim V.  I have tried again today alas to no avail. I will email the address on the site to try and get an general information pack sent out.  

    Stranger - it was my son's GP who brought this to my attention but couldn't give me much direction as to where to start due to the fact I am doing this outside of the NHS.  His recommendation was to contact this site, hence my post.

    As there seems to be no clear cut 'right or wrong' way we have decided to see a few consultants and get their professional opinion and go from there.  We saw our first one this morning, have been explained about Autism, the process of elimination and he recommended starting with speech therapy.  We feel reassured from this and are booked in with the speech therapist on Friday.  We hope that this will help our son.

    Thank you for your input, it is appreciated.

Children
No Data