Hello
My 4 year old daughter has always been a handful - stubborn, strong-willed and demanding. I have always suspected that there is something more going on but every time I’ve asked, I’ve been told that she is fine (by preschool and gp). I suspected she had adhd. She recently started a new school and really struggled to fit into a group that all went to the same preschool together. I once again asked and the teacher said she suspects asd. Since that conversation, we’ve set the ball rolling for a diagnosis (which I’m happy to have to help my daughter). However, what is being said about her is not true and I’m not sure what to do about it. The picture being painted of my daughter by the school is so far from the truth and they did say that the answers “may appear stark” and it is so that her case doesn’t get dismissed as being too young to be assessed. An example of the “stark responses” is that they suspect she has gross and fine motor developmental delay where the truth is that she has been able to ride a bike, swim, write letters, hold a pencil correctly for the past 6/12 months and is one of the most agile/athletic 4 year olds I’ve come across. There is a running theme to the questionnaire whereby any question where she does not show the stereotypical behaviour for asd, they have made up a story to suggest that she does. I should add that I have had to ask for a copy of the report several times before it was sent to me (I suspect because it is not centred on the truth).
At the end of the day, I want her to get the help she needs but having received the report after it being sent off, I guess I’m not happy about all the untruths on there. I’m presuming she will eventually see a professional who will be able to assess her based on her behaviour, rather than that report but I’m just wondering what everyone’s experience has been at this stage? Shall I ignore the untruths on the report, or should I fight to paint a real / truthful picture so as to ensure an accurate diagnosis?
