ASD diagnosis and assessment

[Prawn12]

Hi I am new I’m going through this with my daughter I wondered how long it takes. I know she has Asperger in my heart and the school and social worker agree with me. The only difference is she doesn’t flap her hands she jumps over and over she runs from one end to the other and jumps. I’ve done my research and it feels like an answer to a long journey. She ticks almost every box on the assessment I gave examples. I am just worried that the assessors will say she’s fine when she is not and they will go back to sending me hints and tips on how to be a good parent I have two kids and my eldest has no problem

[Emilica]

Hi

I went through an experience as a teenager. I thought I was on the Autism Spectrum. I went to my GP, I think aged 16 or 17 and then got referred to a local paediatrician. I would say it took about 3-6 months to see the paediatrician in the local clinic.

However the paediatrician decided after asking me a few questions and looking at my medical history that I wasn't on the Autism Spectrum.

I wasn't happy with the decision and later through CAMHS was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum.

I was originally seen by a CAMHS worker for another reason, but when I was suspected of having ASD, I would say the wait time for the assessment was about 3-9 months.

I hope this information helps.

[Prawn12 in reply to Emilica]

Thanks

[PearCider]

A few months is about right if the GP takes it seriously. I gather it can turn into a struggle that drags on for years. You probably need to be clear on how it impacts your daughter. Your, and her, issue isn't really that she has ASD. It's how that ASD impacts her life that is the issue.

Even given a diagnosis, nothing necessarily happens. You could just get given some handouts and sent away again. If you get into that scenario, you might need to be clear on what assistance specifically you and her are asking for.

Hello to your daughter by the way

👋

[LaraKitty]

My Mum knew something was wrong as soon as i started middle school. She did everything to try to get me an assessment but no one believed her until i was in my second high school.I went to 3 middle schools.

[LaraKitty in reply to LaraKitty]

It then took another two years. I got some help but that was being transfered to a different place. Due to Covid I don't have any help.

[Lihaisi]

I'm new to this too. This is my first time on this side.

My son is ten, we started the process to get him diagnosed in Jan 2020 as he was finding school very stressful and home life was becoming an increasing struggle due to the increasing challenges of learning/homework etc . But the whole thing stalled with COVID. I approached the local council for advice and they helped me tackle how to start the process.

The school Inclusion Manager/SENCO had to write up their assessment of my son and we were given a questionnaire to complete also. All that then got submitted to the local health team and we were then referred to a local clinic.

I was worried at first, that because my son's issues could be considered quite subtle... like getting stuck on a theme in conversation, very narrow interests but knowledge of intense detail, not focusing when others try to contribute to the conversation, unable to follow simple instructions...frustration at this... running up and down the garden in a pattern... that they would discount our perspective. But they didn't.

I was impressed that at our first official clinic visit as part of the steps to diagnosis, the doctor asked really insightful questions to my son and I to get a deeper understanding.

I would recommend taking the first step. It did take a few months to get the ball rolling and I've had to be patient again as we are now being referred to a specialist team but I am now feeling like the diagnosis will happen which should unlock greater support for my son.

One of my best friends recently started dating a man who received an ASD diagnosis at a young age and he spoke openly about how much this helped him. He was able to explain to others why he was displaying different behaviour. He was able to get more help at school. He is a charming well rounded adult and my son thought he was amazing. That helped me immensely as I know that once I get the fomal diagnosis I will be able to point to an adult role model if my son asks my what it means to be a person with ASD. I hope this is helpful.