I have been saying for years to the school, family members and GP that I thought my son was on the spectrum but I just kept being fobbed off.
Due to mental health issues (which I put down to struggling at school and life for so long with no help) he is now an inpatient trying to get support for his mental health, suffering depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
Well finally at 15 he has had an ASD assessment and although we are waiting the official report the doctor has confirmed he has ASD. There was a huge sense of relief that finally someone had listened to me and a feeling of wanting to shout from the roof tops "I told you he wasn't a naughty child, he does have ASD!!"
Now there is a sense of anger that he has missed out on so much support over the years, struggled so much at school and is behind and is now suffering terribly with his mental health.
There is so much information out there I just don't know where to start, I would appreciate any advice from parents who have had late diagnosis and what support and advice is available and anybody who has experience with their child in an inpatient unit.