had first assesment today

[suzanneiom1]

my son had his first assesment today, he was good during the assesment, played with the toys, smiling at the doctor, he did come over to us and showed us the toys he was playing with. We told her our concerns which are the lack of talking and hand flapping, after talking to us and looking at harley ect, she said she feels she wants more investigation, she feels it might be something more then just delayed speech and language, so we now have to wait for next appointments now. so im not unhappy with her response because i no there is an issue somewhere with his speech definately, now she just wants to see how he interacts with other ppl/children, because im gathering if those areas are ok then they will look more at his speech. what are you thoughts? do they generally want more investigation from the first appointment??

[cmuir]

Hi

 

Usually when a child is being assessed for an ASD, a number of professionals are involved (though I know this isn't always the case), for example, SALT, OT, Paed, etc. In addition, it may be that they'd like reports from nursery/school, etc. They may well even carry out an ADOS which is aimed at looking at reciprocal language, eye contact, understanding of language (i.e. if they understand what's being asked of them), how they interact with other people, etc etc. I recall being becoming increasingly frustrated with the whole process when my son was being assessed. After 19 reports, it felt very much like we were being passed from pillar to post and that no one was keen at all to definitively say 'you has has Aspergers'. In hindsight, I can understand why it can take a long time, but equally be aware that you need to be sure that your child is being seen by specialists who will take the time and trouble to thoroughly assess your child (sadly, some can be very dismissive without knowing/seeing how your child presents on more than one occasiona and in a variety of settings outwith the clinic/hospital). It does sound very positive in that you've been told that further investigation is going to be done.

[dekra]

I can relate to the huge feeling of relief you must be feeling at the moment. When someone takes your concerns seriously even if they don't have the answers yet it's such a huge weight off your mind - you aren't just a paranoid mum.

 

So glad things are moving in the right direction now for you and I hope the process goes well for you both.

[suzanneiom1]

yea i do feel relief because we have been waiting a while now to get things moving, but the thing is since we have been waiting he has come on so much, everywhere apart from his speech, is it posible to have a language and speech disorder but not be on the spectrum?

[justine1]

yea i do feel relief because we have been waiting a while now to get things moving, but the thing is since we have been waiting he has come on so much, everywhere apart from his speech, is it posible to have a language and speech disorder but not be on the spectrum?

Hi

 

Thats great that you a step closer. Yes it is possible to have just speech and language difficulties without being autistic,there are also conditions where speech and language problems are present. When Sam had his dx we went for 2 x 2 hour appointments,at the second one the paed had received a report from his school. With Dan he had a 3 hour appt mostly he played with other children being assessed,while he did so the SALT,OT and someone from education observed and made note of what he was doing. With both boys I got the dx report about a month after the appointment. Good luck.

[Sally44]

My son's diagnosis took 18 months in total.

 

I was looking through old records, burning them actually because we've just won our Tribunal - so hopefully don't need the vast libary of file notes anymore.

 

Anyway, it was sad to see that he was first observed by the SENCO formally just one month after starting school. He was referred to speech therapist and educational psychologist who saw him 5 months later. The speech therapist referred him onto the childrens hospital and the communication clinic where he saw a Clinical Psychologist and Developmental Paediatrician.

 

At my son's first appointment he did not respond to his name at all when called by the Paediatrician. We went into her office, which contained 3 other adults and some toys. My son played with the toys as if he were alone in the room. He did not show anything or bring anything to me. He had done that in other situations, and still does. But not at that appointment.

 

It was good that your son was showing and pointing to things. It doesn't rule out an ASD, and as they've said they will want to see what his social communication and interaction skills are like. But if he is on the spectrum [or even PDD NOS], he maybe on the more capable side.

Edited December 1, 2011 by Sally44

[Sally44]

I would ask the professionals the questions you are asking.

Speech and communication disorder is one part of an ASD and you need to have enough traits in all areas to receive a diagnosis. If a child does not meet all the criteria they may get a diagnosis of PDD NOS [pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified].

 

You also need to be aware that speech and language difficulties can impact on other areas eg. they can be part of a wider specific learning difficulty [eg. dyslexia, or dyspraxia]. With Dyspraxia you may also see fine and gross motor co-ordination problems eg. cannot tie shoe laces, ride a bike, brush his teeth, climb etc.

[suzanneiom1]

I would ask the professionals the questions you are asking.

Speech and communication disorder is one part of an ASD and you need to have enough traits in all areas to receive a diagnosis. If a child does not meet all the criteria they may get a diagnosis of PDD NOS [pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified].

 

You also need to be aware that speech and language difficulties can impact on other areas eg. they can be part of a wider specific learning difficulty [eg. dyslexia, or dyspraxia]. With Dyspraxia you may also see fine and gross motor co-ordination problems eg. cannot tie shoe laces, ride a bike, brush his teeth, climb etc.

 

thanks for your information sally just look up PDD NOS, interesting, that would be the better one to have althou i obviously would prefer nothing, im just very worried at the moment my little boy wont ever speak and i will never be able to comunicate with him, which iv been longing for ever since he was born. "sighs" i no its not my fault but you cant help blame yourself