Autistic Assesment Referral

Hi all I'm new here, my son is 5 and since 1& a half he has been showing all the signs of Autism, although at first i was led to believe it may be ADHD i found out from numerous of professionals i.e Teachers, Speech Therapists, even joining this site has told me that my son will eventually get a diagnosis of Autism. We communite with him with visuals, he can talk fantastically when he wants but for him to understand what we say we speak with visuals, he has massive anxieties, everyday, every minute of the day he has anxieties. Anyway i am going on abit now, what i wanted to ask was if any parents have received a form called Neurodevelopment Pathway Referral Form? My Son's Senco within school has passed me this which she had been sent from my Son's Paediatrician, it has questions like What is important to the child? What does the child like about themselves and what do others like about them? I'm really confused on what to write here, i don't want to come across stupid to my son's school or even Paediatrician so please if anyone can advise on what i can write as my son will not understand what is important to him. I want this form filled in and sent off as this will be the next big step into getting his Autism Assessment, its not been an easy ride so far and i know all you parents are going through the same thing so i wanted to join and get some help if possible. 

Parents
  • Hello 

    It’s quite overwhelming having to navigate the health, social care and educational processes, isn’t it? They all have their own ‘speak’ and communicate in ways that tend to suit how they talk to each other rather than how parents need to hear information (I am an NHS worker so I know all about ‘NHS Speak’!)

    You may find you are in the situation where you feel there is so much to interpret and understand before you’re even in a position to make the most basic contribution to the process you find yourself involved in! So it’s easy to feel like that’s a massive burden slowing you down.

    A good place to seek some hand-holding, support, clarity will be your local council’s ‘Local Offer’ (Google it). Every council has one. It’s a run down of where parents can get advice and support on all sorts of things including form filling!

    I contacted a local group when I needed to complete my daughter’s EHCP application and the very friendly woman talked me through each question (there were many) explaining what was expected and what examples of struggles/behaviour I needed to give.

    Here is a link to a hand book which is produced by Kent County Council. You may have something similar available to you in your area. At the very least your council will have a web page detailing the sign-posting links.

    https://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/106310/Kent-handbook-for-families-information-about-autism-and-adhd-in-children.pdf

    The message is: there should be charitable/council supported organisations in your area where you can ask the ‘stoopid’ questions in a safe place where no one will laugh at you Slight smile

    I have received so much support through these organisations - they fit into the gaps left between the different agencies you have to deal with and smooth the way. Some also do webinars and virtual support groups to help you get a better understanding of ASD and so you can connect with other parents in the same boat closer to home.

    Have a look to see what’s in your area and start connecting.

    Best wishes  

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