Second opinion?

My son was assessed by a NHS paediatrician and told he didn’t fit the ASD criteria because he is too verbal and can hold a conversation and eye contact. (He can on his terms with familiar people) 

She met my son twice, for 30 minutes, in clinic. Told me she thought he was showing more ADHD than ASD. 

I completely disagree with her, 6 months ago she told me that she was nearly satisfied he fitted the criteria and would almost definitely be diagnosing him as Autistic, But would need to speak with his SALT and Ed Psychologist first. Since then, she has changed her mind. It’s infuriating, they see a different boy to me. He’s incredibly able at masking. 

I have approached my GP to request a second opinion but she says there is nobody in our county! 
What do I do? Continue to push?

Parents
  • Hey Weaver!

    Perhaps the psych and SLT persuaded her otherwise?  I'd ask what made her change her mind... (if you can)

    How old is your son?  Can you do some more research on both ADHD and ASD to see if you can match any symptoms and then ask for a retest?  Forearmed is best when taking action is required.

    Is your son troubled by life and/or his behaviours?

    I went through similar with my eldest daughter who was very difficult to manage as a child but now at 24 she says she knows she's autistic and has ADHD and doesn't need a diagnosis to tell her that.  So, in essence, could you ride the waves for a while?

    Pennie x

Reply
  • Hey Weaver!

    Perhaps the psych and SLT persuaded her otherwise?  I'd ask what made her change her mind... (if you can)

    How old is your son?  Can you do some more research on both ADHD and ASD to see if you can match any symptoms and then ask for a retest?  Forearmed is best when taking action is required.

    Is your son troubled by life and/or his behaviours?

    I went through similar with my eldest daughter who was very difficult to manage as a child but now at 24 she says she knows she's autistic and has ADHD and doesn't need a diagnosis to tell her that.  So, in essence, could you ride the waves for a while?

    Pennie x

Children
  • Hi. Yes I’m pretty sure they did persuade her otherwise, that and she has a very outdated outlook on autism. She’s discharged my son now and the reasons she gave was that he is “too verbal” , can hold a conversation and hold eye contact. 
    My son is 7, I’ve already done a lot of research and he fits so many of the ASD criteria that his paediatrician did not even acknowledge. My sister is also autistic, so I know what to look out for. (She wasn’t diagnosed until she was 25)

    My sons paediatrician had a “one size fits all” criteria which in my opinion just does not work for autism. I feel after waiting two years to be told he’s “too verbal” that it’s absolutely ludicrous to be honest! I’ve worked with autistic children and many have been chatterboxes! 
    We also don’t need a diagnosis to tell us he’s autistic, we know already and I manage his behaviour and sensory needs well. However, I would like the diagnosis as I feel it will benefit him as I can apply for extra help . I’m a single parent so any help would be beneficial to the quality of his life. 
    I think I need to push his gp for another referral to a different paediatrician, out of our county if we have too!