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Concerned our high functioning child will not be diagnosed as autistic because his traits aren’t severe.

NAS78326

Hi,

As parents we are in the middle of having our 7 year old boy assessed for autism. In the last consultation they are happy to continue to assess him but aren’t sure if he is on the spectrum, this is because they only spoke to him and watched his interactions for an hour, whereas at home there are so more signs of definite autism.

We are wondering if anyone else has experienced doctors not believing your child is autistic because they are high functioning and if there’s any way to have them tested for longer than a short doctor’s appointment, other than going private which we cannot afford.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give us.

Parents

  • When my 6 year old daughter was first referred it was rejected until I wrote a lengthy letter to the GP detailing all the traits I and others have witnessed that could indicate autism. Then when she had her first consultation the doctor spent forty minutes asking me the same information I had filled out on the form, then talked to my daughter for five minutes before telling me he doubted she was on the spectrum because she could make eye contact and follow instructions. He did say that she could continue to the next stage of the assessment if it would ease my mind. Then they lost all the paperwork and I had two weeks to do it all again and get it back to them or they'd assume we were no longer interested in having her assessed. I did as they asked but I haven't heard any more. 

    I wish I had some advice for you, but all I've been able to do is just keep fighting for her to get assessed.  

  • in reply to Meeples

    I'm sorry you have had to fight so much just to be taken seriously. It seems to be a common experience for a lot of parents on here unfortunately.

    It really makes me appreciate our SENCO who is very pro-active and has been a real support so far. I am bracing myself for the long, long wait for assessment appointments though, as we only had our Grimacingreferral submitted about a week ago Grimacing

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  • in reply to Meeples

    I'm sorry you have had to fight so much just to be taken seriously. It seems to be a common experience for a lot of parents on here unfortunately.

    It really makes me appreciate our SENCO who is very pro-active and has been a real support so far. I am bracing myself for the long, long wait for assessment appointments though, as we only had our Grimacingreferral submitted about a week ago Grimacing

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