Published on 12, July, 2020
So I'm new here, new to taking steps towards reaching out for support and seeking help.
First of all I guess I'd better introduce myself, I'm Lydia 27, I have two children. My 9 year old son is the reason I'm here.
When marley was a baby I knew he was autistic, showing traits of autism. Mild? I don't even know what is the correct way of explaining.
When he was in year 2 I took it as far to attempt to have him assessed. I failed, didn't know what I was doing and that time in life was not good. Fast forward a few years he is now 9. I can't just carry on without support and help anymore its becoming hard because I'm doing it wrong.
What steps do I take? What do I do?
On Monday after school I'm going to speak to his teacher, she's already told me I need to see a gp forest but I want to explain why I am to her, and get the schools support.
My plan is to start a diary on Monday, a behavioural diary. And I will do this from now until the summer holidays end. I will also write a list of past and present traits, reasons I know he is different. I will then take this with me and see a gp?
This is as far as I've got. And joining this site.
Help lol x
Welcome. It seems to me that you have made a good start. You would probably be well-advised to see a GP ASAP in order to start the assessment process, which can take a long time, and to get your son any support he needs at school next year. Also, don't blame yourself or assume you're "doing it wrong". You obviously care a lot about your child, and that is "doing it right" as far as I am concerned. Also, there are lots of parents with autistic kids on this site who are loaded with advice, so make use of the resource if you need to.
Hey thanks for the reply. Do you think I should make a go appointment and go there just verbally explain with a list of his traits and still do the diary but save it for further appointments?
Previously when my son was small I got fobbed off a lot, so I want them to take me seriously. I’ve bought two notepads for logging everything down today and the diary keeping.
Thank you
I think the diary is a good idea, for when you eventually go for the diagnosis, but there's nothing stopping you from taking a list of traits with you to the GP appointment, and also the diary entries between now and the day of the appointment.
There is a page on this site regarding the official NHS referral process, including the basis for making a referral decision. I think it's under "diagnosis" on the NAS site. Let me know if you can't locate it and I'll get you a link.