Hi,
I am looking for advice. My daughter (age 8) has been going through the NHS system for autism assessments. We finally after 3 years got told she "doesnt fit the criteria for autism".
The reasons they gave were that:
- she doesnt line up toys
-she doesnt stim by rocking or spinning
- she doesnt know lots of facts about a topic
- she can cope with routine changes
- she hit milestones as a baby
And she has friends.
They dismissed her sensory issues and said its most likely ADHD.
I relayed this information to her school and they have disagreed with the decision too.
She sensory seeks to keep herself calm
She has attachments to her fidget toys
She wont wear certain materials (ie denim or silk)
She has had sessions with a mental health nurse due to high anxiety and low self esteem
She has had interventions at school about coping with anxiety and self image
She struggles to 'fit in' and alters her behaviour to fit who she is around
She repeats questions or re tells the same stories frequently
She misunderstands social situations very easily and then becomes very distressed
She doesnt understand boundaries - she will always hug people randomly even strangers (obviously i have spoken to her about this an explained why thats not always a good idea etc)
She worries a lot about what people think about her
She walks on her tip toes
she has recently been diagnosed with Dyspraxia.
She becomes easily disregulated when she cant do something
She has had episodes where she hits, bites or scratches herself when she is upset
My self, and school both believe there is an element of ADHD but many traits point to Autism too
So my question is this: Is it worth challenging the decison? Seeking a second opinion?
And HOW do i even go about this?
I am so worried for when she goes to secondary school that she wont get the right support without a diagnosis. I also want to get an EHCP in place for her but school have even said she is unlikely to get an EHCP without a diagnosis
All i want is support for my little girl 
Help and advice please!!!
