just getting a diagnois...

I suspect my 3 1/2 year old son has ASD. we live in a very rual area and I feel like I am getting the run around just to get a diagnois. We are just begining this journey and I am already am so stressed out! Any and all suggestions are welcome to help us on our journey. Thanks

  • Hi Janel1976 - we got our referral from our Health Visitor, who referred us to the local Child Development Centre.  You are starting at exactly the right time because if your son is diagnosed with ASD there may be some work needed to help him settle into pre-school.  You will find that you have to badger people a bit, which is a pain but necessary to keep things moving.  Really good luck with all of this. x

  • we are at the very begining just trying to get a referal for an assesment for diagnois. I never thought about needing things for school and yes he will start preschool next august. thanks

  • Where in the process are you? When I first went the doctor, I read the information on this site and made a note of the traits my son was exhibiting.  Diagnosis can take a while, depending on how well resourced or how stretched they are in your area.  

    Also, bear in mind that if your son is due to start school in a year and he needs a statement it can take months.  We have been advised to start no later than February. 

    I found dealing with the process and the actual diagnosis very hard. But much easier afterwards. So just hang on in there.