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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

  • Hi, in my nephew's case it was useful. There were a few occasions at school when he had meltdowns or retaliated due to provocation from other kids and if the teachers hadn't known about the diagnosis he might have been punished too harshly or suspended. Also, they can keep an eye out for loneliness, understand better if he doesn't speak up in class, or notice if he doesnt eat lunch. Even practical things like being allowed to wear more comfortable clothes and shoes could be reasonable adjustments without unduly labelling your son. 

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  • Hi, in my nephew's case it was useful. There were a few occasions at school when he had meltdowns or retaliated due to provocation from other kids and if the teachers hadn't known about the diagnosis he might have been punished too harshly or suspended. Also, they can keep an eye out for loneliness, understand better if he doesn't speak up in class, or notice if he doesnt eat lunch. Even practical things like being allowed to wear more comfortable clothes and shoes could be reasonable adjustments without unduly labelling your son. 

Children