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Should I proceed with ASD assessment for my 3 year old?

NAS67130

Hi

My son is almost 3 and has been referred for ASD assessment by a paediatrician. I am really torn about whether to go ahead with it or not.

I feel like if he is on the Autism Spectrum, that he would be on the lower end. He can read, talk, although alot of his speech is stuff he has learned or repeating, and she has said that he would go to a mainstream school but that she has noticed some traits and with my consent she would like to refer him to assessment team.

I just don't know what to do for the best, I feel almost guilty going ahead with it as isn't 3 years old very young to be given a label?  What would be the benefits of getting an official diagnosis and would there be any negative implications of getting one, in terms of his future. I am trying to weigh it all up.

I don't want him to be singled out or to feel different. Plus if he does get a diagnosis, I am going to have to tell him when he is older.

He goes to nursery in September, should I wait and get feedback from his teacher or wait till he is a bit older?

Any advice is welcome as I have no experience  in this sort of situation. Thank you

Parents

  • Personally I don’t think there are negatives as a formal diagnosis can open the door to additional support if he needs it at a later date and will help those who work with him to do so in a way that suits his needs. I think having certainty is better than an unknown and whilst labels aren’t pleasant it’s part of life sadly but I think the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. 

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  • Personally I don’t think there are negatives as a formal diagnosis can open the door to additional support if he needs it at a later date and will help those who work with him to do so in a way that suits his needs. I think having certainty is better than an unknown and whilst labels aren’t pleasant it’s part of life sadly but I think the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. 

Children