After some "insight" re assessment of Autism pleas

Post Reply New Topic

Hi

My 3.5 year old DS is suspected of being on the autism spectrum.

I have booked him into a private Occ therapist, Child psychologist and Speech therapist...As I cant get him in to see his Paed until May and the public waiting list is too long. I am eager to get him the help he needs now.

I am very new to this, and I really dont have a clue about diagnosis process and I dont find surfing the net very useful in answering my q's so I thought I'd ask the pple in the know here on this forum


I'm a bit confused and was wondering what the actual process of diagnosis for Autism is for a toddler? We are in Australia, but I'm guessing it is much the same process everywhere.

How many sessions with each specialist will it take to get a diagnosis?

Who decides the "final" diagnosis?

Would the Paed need to send him to anyone other than an Occ Therapist, Speech ther, and psychologist for diagnosis?

Do specialists come to your home to observe, if so how often?

Do they rely a great deal on what you tell them about your child? I do know that they get friends/family to fill in a questionaire, but we havent really established much of a relationship with anyone here who would know a great deal about DS. And his problems got severe after our big interstate move away from family, so family wouldnt have a clue either.

I appreciate you reading this and look forward to your reply

okay, I saw your other post before I saw this one. LOL Sorry!! The Psychologist can give a diagnosis so you were wise to book an appointment with him/her. The OT will be very beneficial for his sensory needs, and the SLP is great at handling the language issues. You are really ahead of the game so well done!

For my son's assessment, we were the only ones who filled out the papers, no one else, so you will be fine in that department. He had 3 appointments with the Psych and was assessed in the office, no one ever came to our home. They have so much training that it's pretty easy to see a lot of the signs that point towards Autism.

What about CARS The Childhood Autism Rating Scale The parent fills in one and their Teacher the other. My daughter scored as being mildly to moderately autistic. Speech Thearpist don't often pick up autistic or AS problems particulary if they are very bright.

Thank you so much for your replies. It has helped alot regarding my questions. We have the Child Psychologist appt on the 7th of Feb. She wants to speak with us without James there for the first session. We are really looking forward to finding some answers to his behaviour.

Thanks again.

I will be crossing all of the crossable parts that you get some answers for your DS so you can help him be the best possible version of himself. One step at a time. If you ever need an ear, PM me. I've been in your shoes.

Thank you so much Celticgodess, I appreciate that, nice to have someone who's been there to chat to.