To cut a long story short (ish) we FINALLY got our now 10 yr old diagnosed as asd last year at the Evelina in London, while we were at the appointment the consultant asked about his siblings and said our 8 yr olds symptoms sounded worse and that he really needs to be diagnosed too to get the support he needs. This time was extremely stressful as my mum was seriously ill in hospital. A dr at the hospital reported me to the ward matron for swearing at him despite it being my mother. This matron then reported me to social services as my children were not in school (we home educate) thankfully social services took this as a malicious complaint and didn’t take it any further. When mum recovered I took my 8 year old to the gp to ask for him to be referred for diagnosis. She had clearly already read the social services report and said all of his problems were clearly caused by the ‘family issues’ despite me trying to explain numerous times what had actually happened and that ss had closed the case. She eventually agreed to do a referral and despite me clearly stating I did not want our local hospital due to these issues (and that they said my eldest was not asd previously) we received an appointment for another hospital in March but a few days ago I received a form for our local hospital so I called and said we were being seen elsewhere. I’ve since found out the other hospital has decided the referral is not appropriate so they have cancelled his appointment. I don’t know where else to go.
Hello, Sorry to hear about your troubles. I would suggest you contact the following for expert guidance:
NAS https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/about-us/contact-us.aspx
Child Autism UK https://www.childautism.org.uk
Ambitious About Autism https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
It is sometimes difficult to get an assessment outside of your NHS area. I think the local team in your area will not bear any grudges against your child - or any child - perhaps if you phone the local assessment team and explain the situation, they will arrange for your son to have a diagnosis. It sounds as if the sooner your son’s needs are addressed, the better. All the best, Graham.
Do you have any way of getting in touch with the consultant from the evelina? A back up letter from him may help other hospital
I totally understand why you don't want to take your child back to one that caused a problem I personally refused to do this when the evelina discharged my daughter. She was supposed to go back to our local hospital for follow up care but after they had made so many mistakes and nearly killed her I refused so her after care was transferred to the royal Alexander they were great as well.
However now I'm trying to get her assessed I am back to dealing with the local trust who keep making mistakes.
If your local hospital has given him an appointment keep it Speak to the consultant there and ask if it's possible to transfer it to another hospital.
I know it's not ideal but at least they gave you an appointment
Good luck