Hi
My 12 year old daughter is having difficulties. Over the years we noticed the following:
- She never played imaginatively
- She offered the top of her head for kisses and never kissed us
- She frequently did not say hello or bye and she comes across as 'rude'
- She was shy and quiet spoken at school
- She is G&T in many subjects, particularly maths and science
- She is violent towards close family
- She is scratching herself when stressed
- She is often withdrawn at home
- She is becoming increasingly withdrawn at high school - teachers have raised concern
- She does not seek comfort when distressed
- She lies and seems to fully believe what she says
- She rocks when extremely distressed
- She is not comfortable in social situations and has to be reminded to smile.
- Now she is at high school she is becoming increasingly unhappy
- She cannot explain her emotions and tells people that I hate her and that she does not want to live at home anymore.
This is extremely worrying. I got a referral to CAMHS but she refused to attend. I explained the symptoms to them and without seeing her they diagnosed attachment disorder. However, my sisters boys, in another county, with similar symptoms received diagnosis of autism. My daughter has always been loved and has never been neglected so I am unhappy with this diagnosis.
Has anybody else had experience of their child being initially diagnosed as having attachment disorder before a diagnosis of autism was made?
I've asked for a second opinion. I would appreciate any advice going forward.
Thanks
