Diagnosis

Hey everyone!

I am very new to this and was just wondering if i could recieve some advice about my son.

He is now 5 and we have a history of AS within the family (dads side) we have just moved to a new area and hes recently started a new school. So far it has been a struggle getting him to settle and make friends. Ive always seen traits of AS but it is definitley more evident the older he is getting.  What help is out there and is my first port of call a visit to his GP for an assessment?

Any advice or shared experiences is gretaly appreciated

  • Hi ASMUM 5,

    As you start consisdering assessment and diagnosis for your son, you may find some of the information on the NAS website useful.

    Please see the following links for information about autism:

    an-introduction/what-is-autism.aspx

    http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/asperger.aspx

    and information specifically for parents:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/parents-relatives-and-carers.aspx

     

    To find out if your son has autism/Asperger syndrome, they would need to go for a formal diagnostic assessment.

     

    There are two routes to gaining a diagnostic assessment. You can either go through the NHS where you will need a referral from your GP to see a diagnostician (e.g. a paediatrician, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist with experience of the condition) or pay to go privately where you may not always need a referral. The cost of a private diagnosis can vary. We have heard cases of some local authorities not recognising a private diagnosis and for this reason some people opt to also stay within the NHS system.

     

    Please see the following link below for further information on getting a diagnosis:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/all-about-diagnosis.aspx

     

     

    If you choose to go through the NHS, you will need to talk to the GP about some of the characteristics and behaviours that make you suspect your child has the condition.  It is very important that your child is referred to a diagnostician with experience in the field of autism spectrum disorders. Details of diagnostic services can be found on our directory www.autism.org.uk/directory .


    I hope that helps clarify things a bit for you.

    Regards,

    Kerri-Mod


  • You're more than welcome.

    I did the GP route when I was concerned about my daughter, and I was a bit worried that I'd just get fobbed off as well but surprisingly,  the GP listened, asked a few questions and then did a referral.  Can't recall how long it took for the assessment appointment,  but they were really good once we were there.  They did some assessments of her in school, and a couple of assessments at the hospital and said that she met the criteria for autism. 

    One tip that should help;  write down all your concerns into a list, and take the list with you so that you don't forget too much when you're in front of the GP. 

    If he/she does fob you off,  ask to speak to another GP. 

  • Ahh thank you, thats very helpful to know. In the process of registering at the local docs surgery so we will have an initial health assessment soon so i will probably bring it up then.  I am a bit apprehensive i guess as worried i will just be fobbed off as 'another paranoid mum'.  

  • Ahh thank you, thats very helpful to know. In the process of registering at the local docs surgery so we will have an initial health assessment soon so i will probably bring it up then.  I am a bit apprehensive i guess as worried i will just be fobbed off as 'another paranoid mum'.  

  • Hi ASMUM 5

    I know that the usual route in gettiing a diagnosis is for you to speak to the school and ask them for their thoughts.  They would usually be the people that make a referral, but if that route isn't an option for whatever reason (ie, they don't see a problem) you can visit your GP and ask for a referral to be done for you.