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Awaiting assessment for 2 year old son

NAS65264

Hello everyone, 

I’m new here and wanted some advice! We’ve been concerned about our son for roughly a year now and started noticing signs since he was 1 year old. I won’t babble on to much but for example he doesn’t point, wave, copy facial expressions, interact with children or adults, won’t notice people come or leave the house, won’t respond to his name, avoids eye contact except with me he seems to give me more eye contact than anyone else. He can say about 8-10 words which don’t happen often it’s more babble or tuneful jargon. He has had a hearing test and that came back good. After voicing our concerns we have the backing of health visitors and doctors who have pushed for an assessment for him even though he is still quite young. We are on the waiting list now and told it could be up to 10months before we get an appointment! 

Just wanted to know if anyone else has been through the same around this age and what you done in the mean time to help with the social and communication side of things ? He gets distressed at toddler classes and a lot of special needs classes need a formal diagnosis so I’m in limbo of what is best for him. 

Parents

  • Hi,

    I was in the same situation, and my son just diagnosed with autism a month ago. He's 2 years and 5 months and showed all the signs that you mentioned but he's doesn't use any words yet. I suggest going to play groups and dropping sessions that focus on developing speech because there is usually a language therapist on hand who can encourage some tips and by going there we were able to get referred to start speech and language therapy before we got the diagnosis. 

    I know how frustrating it can be being on the waitlist for so long. But if you can get referred to the speech and language therapy, they run a lot of programmes and offer a lot of support which you can access.  

    I have just pulled my child out of a mainstream nursery as he wasn't eating whilst at nursery and I don't think they could provide the attention that he required and I was referred to another nursery that can provide a one-2-one focus which is what I need.

    And some words of encouragement, keep communicating with your son, get down to his level and use the pause technique to try to create engagement. It is a slow process but they are taking it all in and slowly they show little cues that they understand.

    I hope this helps, as I am still discovering what comes next after diagnosis.

  • in reply to NAS65319

    Thank you for your reply ! It’s so nice to know what your not alone when you go through this. Can I ask (if it’s not too personal) how the assessment went on the day ? Just what to expect and how they diagnose autism. 

    You sound like your doing a great job already and thank you for the words of encouragement! 

Reply
  • in reply to NAS65319

    Thank you for your reply ! It’s so nice to know what your not alone when you go through this. Can I ask (if it’s not too personal) how the assessment went on the day ? Just what to expect and how they diagnose autism. 

    You sound like your doing a great job already and thank you for the words of encouragement! 

Children
  • in reply to NAS65264

    Sure! The assessment lasted for about 1hour with 2 paediatricians, the senior consultant had a chat with me about my son and took notes whilst my son played and interacted with his assistant. She interacted with him getting him to play with some toys to see how he interacted with her and me and she later gave feedback. He concluded from the questions and her observations on the diagnosis.

    They asked if I had any questions, which I didn't as I was a bit shocked on hearing the diagnosis and I wanted to read the report and then ask questions based on my concerns. I wish I had asked questions as I am still waiting on the report and any additional help or information. I didn't realise that the report may take up to 6 weeks or more. Bear that in mind, and ask what you can do in the meantime.

    Based on the speech and language therapy we had started we got referred to a programme called more than words so having that support and meeting other parents has been a good start. One of the mum gave me some very useful resource for our borough which gives so much support. Not sure where you are based but we are in london in the Westminster area. So its also worth having a look at what services are offered through your council whilst you wait on a diagnosis.

    I got a letter today though showing that we have been referred to Children and Young People occupational Therapy CYPOT and also the Clinical Nurse specialist at the medical centre and they would contact me when they receive the report.

    So that's where we are at, at the moment. But it has been great meeting other mums who are able to give support and advise.

    The assessment is social communication disorder assessment (SCD) pathway. You can read about the process online although they would send you the information before your little one's assessment. Or check www.clch.nhs.uk