Hi there,
I'm new. Not only to this forum but to everything autism related.
It's become increasingly clear to me during Lockdown and subsequent reintegration playdates that my eldest child (a just-10 year old boy) is a little different from his peers. I've always noticed subtle differences but I didn't want to believe there was a problem, plus I put much of it down to his response to witnessing his parents go through a lengthy and messy divorce.
On holiday in Dorset two weeks ago with my brother and his (similarly aged) boys, my brother finally raised the issue with us.
And the more research I have done since, the more I am convinced that my son may have Aspergers.
The closing date for secondary school applications is 31st Oct so we want to get him tested as soon as possible as a diagnosis would obviously massively impact his future, and consequently our choice of school for him.
Can anyone advise us about where best to go from here and what worked (or didn't work) for you re. getting your child diagnosed? Any recommendations would be massively appreciated and very gratefully received. I've looked into a Private diagnosis (Dr Dura-Vila and her team in London) but the cost is £2,300 for an ASD assessment, which would apparently be a 6-8 week process plus a waiting list....
Very many thanks for your time x
