Published on 12, July, 2020
My daughter had her first appointment today, the doctor said that while there are many asd indicators the fact that she doesn’t show any at school and there are no communication issues means he won’t pursue a diagnosis now. He want to see how she copes with the transition into the juniors next year.
Im at a complete loss, he seemed to have no awareness of masking, she has melt downs 3 sometimes 4 times a week at home that can last up to an hour. I’m struggling to cope, he just wants me to go on a parenting course and find ways to help her deal with anxiety.
This is similar to my experience we were rejected by the child development centre as she shows no communication issues (despite school saying that they are limited )
I got the school nursing team involved they were as frustrated by the rejection as me and are helping with anxiety work in school as well as getting us a family support worker (not something that I wanted) but it all builds evidence to support referral they advised me to keep behaviour logs and sleep journals they also liase with the school and I'm lucky in that they understand girls are good at masking and that it means she is different at home. It is frustrating as my daughter is nearly 8 and I have been asking for help since she was 3.
My advice is talk to your school senco and ask for the school nursing team to come and see her they can push for diagnosis and help with support and sometimes practical support in school
You are not alone trust your instincts if you think she needs assessment keep on at them