Take 2

Well after waiting around . My son now aged 6 was diagnosed in December 2020 with having general severe learning disabilities.

I don't understand it fully myself as he is at the right level with his reading writing and maths . The educational psychologist said she's not really seen anyone like my son before . His learning disability was diagnosed because he struggles with understanding.

Myself and my son's school felt that he had autistic tendencies, which was the reason why we went to seek a diagnosis but at the end of that rhe paediatrician along with he educational psychologist felt he didn't meet the criteria.

Me and the school have now made application for an EHCP and are waiting for the outcome of that.

Me and the school still felt that my son had autistic tendencies so I have asked for a second opinion.

Had a video call consultation yesterday with a different paediatrician. It feels like almost starting at the very beginning but this time round feels more thorough. I asked for my son to be assessed by the speech and language team this time round as last time this wasn't offered . I have also been offered for my son to go to a sensory and a behaviour workshop. So I'm hoping this will be beneficial to us all.

Even if at the end of all this it ends up that the paediatrician comes to the same conclusion that he doesn't meet the criteria then all I'm hoping is that I don't get left like last time . Where I wasn't offered any support because my son even if it's not autism, he does struggle and does need support and I need to know where I can get this from to get the best for my son .

[kevinmhickson]

Well done for your determination and support for your son. Autism is such a broad spectrum of ability that it sometimes divides opinion on diagnosis, particularly when a degree of learning disability or high intelligence is involved. Sounds like you are doing all the right things in pursuing a 2nd opinion. In the meantime, it is essential that school and others recognise and are up to date with the particular needs of your son; with or without the diagnosis/

[Hidden in reply to kevinmhickson]

Thank you Kevin .

I feel that having a diagnosis of a learning disability helps in some ways because is does explain the reasons why my son has his struggles .

I do feel that I'm doing the best I can seeking a second opinion, I know that this time round I am getting all the right people involved and I can say what I feel needs said to try and get the best support for my son .

Whether or not my son meets the autistic spectrum criteria, I know that I've done the best I can for him in seeking support for him and myself .