Feeling a bit low

Well, my son is 6 and was diagnosed with a general moderate learning difficulty. He was under assessment for autism spectrum disorder however the paediatrician phoned a few months ago to say they did not feel he met the criteria.

Through the report from the paediatrician the areas i had been concerned about were all put down to possibly due to his learning difficulties.

And that was that. Discharged.

I was gutted as I honestly believed he was on the autistic spectrum and my sons school also felt that he was too. I was hoping for a diagnosis to then be able to get more support for him and me and my other son.

Obviously with the virus things have been very different. And I thought I would not go for a second opinion as I didn't want to tell a professional that they had done their job wrong. However over the past few months and seeing how things have been with my 6 year old I am wanting to seek a second opinion. Even if the results come back the same I need some support and want to ask them at the end of it what can I get.

It's difficult to see my son struggle and see my youngest son manage in situations that my eldest son can't. Watching my youngest son go off in various situations like soft plays and park and be able to mix with other children well, but see my eldest son on the outside finding it difficult to mix. He does mix eventually but it does take a bit of time and often there are meltdowns before this happens.

I suppose I find it also difficult because my childrens dad has said that when he has the children he doesn't notice any of the behaviours that I experience, which I know could be the case as kids can be different for other parents and people. However I just feel like I have done something wrong. And I am failing my son.

[lecsmum]

Be mindful of Sensory Processing issues these often accompany Autism. Many Parents go through CAMHS and Paeds, etc, and are very lucky to find a 'good one' and spend their child's formative years looking for the Right People to see! keep a diary, record things, take pictures if needed, you are getting evidence together, join Groups and speak to other Parents, PDA and Autism information may help, lots of people, Parents etc, speak on 'YOU TUBE!' Then like the rest of us you will end up far more aware than the people we used to have faith in!

[Morgan04]

I know its' tough when you feel people around you don't get it but I would encourage you to do what lecsmum is suggesting and follow your gut instinct. You know your kids better than anyone else and sadly in this world you will need to fight to get what you want for them

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello Hidden

You sound as if you are doing a great job. You aren't letting anyone down, in fact, quite the opposite. You know your son best and professionals need to listen to you. It can feel awkward to ask for second opinion, but please do if are not satisfied.

Getting a diagnosis would be great, but you can still ask for more support without one. Is your son's school any help with this? Our helpline (0808 808 1111) may be able to help as you can talk through some options with one of our trained advisors.

I hope this helps a little.

Best wishes

Sarah

[lecsmum]

The people they feel safest with get the 'pay back' we can spot the untrained Dr's by what they say and do, ( very little), ask for Occupational therapist level 3 assessment for any Sensory issues, and read the book 'The explosive child'