Undiagnosed Autism my daughter

Hi my daughter is 9 years old and showing some autism traits I’ve been to see GP how referred her to single point access who rang me to discuss my daughter they then got a triage team to ring ms who recommend counselling after a 10 week wait for initial assessment then a further wait for counselling to start she is now 2 weeks in counselling no update off counsellor on anything I know it’s confidential but if counsellor suspected autism or any other mental health issues would they discuss this with me or wait til end of counselling sessions anyone any experience on this ?

My concerns are my daughter struggles with sensory noise ,crowds ,meltdown over clothing got have baggy clothes feels irritated by buttons , clothes sticking to her  . Also gets bored very easy , doesn’t like you touching her without telling her but constantly wanting cuddles but got be when she wants ,sometimes makes silly noises but not always .Also has panic attacks could be for no reason etc could be just a cinema in have to leave as feels sick in shaky . Also absessed  with pandas also loves art got to be constantly challenged anyone experienced any of these any help or support would be appreciated Thankyou for reading .

Parents
  • I can only comment based on our experience of trying to get our 9 yr old daughter assessed for Autism. She also demonstrates sensory issues so we have put in a referral for a Sensory Processing Disorder assessment. I would say if you think she is autistic then push for an assessment - the traits you describe sound that this would fit. From our experience and research shows girls present differently and therefore often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. I would also not assume that any professional, counsellor or even mental health professional will see the traits and consider autism. The counsellor your daughter is seeing may not be experienced enough to see the gender differences of autism and therefore not consider this a possibility. We had to bang down many doors to be listened too. Even at school who did not see it either. I would go back to the single point of access or CAMHT's and ask specifically for an autism assessment. The assessment will only confirm what you believe to be true, sounds like she needs some support for how she feels but from someone who specialises or at least has a really good understanding of autism specifically for girls so she receives the right advice and support. Good luck. 

Reply
  • I can only comment based on our experience of trying to get our 9 yr old daughter assessed for Autism. She also demonstrates sensory issues so we have put in a referral for a Sensory Processing Disorder assessment. I would say if you think she is autistic then push for an assessment - the traits you describe sound that this would fit. From our experience and research shows girls present differently and therefore often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. I would also not assume that any professional, counsellor or even mental health professional will see the traits and consider autism. The counsellor your daughter is seeing may not be experienced enough to see the gender differences of autism and therefore not consider this a possibility. We had to bang down many doors to be listened too. Even at school who did not see it either. I would go back to the single point of access or CAMHT's and ask specifically for an autism assessment. The assessment will only confirm what you believe to be true, sounds like she needs some support for how she feels but from someone who specialises or at least has a really good understanding of autism specifically for girls so she receives the right advice and support. Good luck. 

Children
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