How long to diagnose autism?!
Question: How long to diagnose autism!?
My 2 1/2 yr old son is showing "2 or 3 red flags" for autism according to GP!. Have an appointment tomorrow with paediatric Dr!. Will we come home with a diagnosis or will it be over a series or months/weeks !? Thanks for any help!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
We have an autistic daughter, who is now 24!.
When she was little we had a real battle to get her properly diagnosed - we saw countless 'experts' and they all gave us a different name for the problem she had (and different drugs)!. But one day we met a female Brazilian doctor (now long since gone back to Brazil) who observed our daughter in various places (playgroup, home, the street, the shops) and at the end she simply said 'But she has classic autism'!. We finally got a statement for special needs, but it was a real battle!.
However, this was over 20 years ago, and I really do believe that diagnosis has become easier, and statementing has also become easier!.
PLEASE do not lose heart!. My wife and I started a support group for parents of autistic children and we were astonished at how many people used to come!.
If anyone ever tells you to sue the NHS over the MMR jab, take no notice!. There's no proof whatsoever!.
I think about you!. We have been there!. If you think I could be of any help, in any way whatsoever, please email me!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
When she was little we had a real battle to get her properly diagnosed - we saw countless 'experts' and they all gave us a different name for the problem she had (and different drugs)!. But one day we met a female Brazilian doctor (now long since gone back to Brazil) who observed our daughter in various places (playgroup, home, the street, the shops) and at the end she simply said 'But she has classic autism'!. We finally got a statement for special needs, but it was a real battle!.
However, this was over 20 years ago, and I really do believe that diagnosis has become easier, and statementing has also become easier!.
PLEASE do not lose heart!. My wife and I started a support group for parents of autistic children and we were astonished at how many people used to come!.
If anyone ever tells you to sue the NHS over the MMR jab, take no notice!. There's no proof whatsoever!.
I think about you!. We have been there!. If you think I could be of any help, in any way whatsoever, please email me!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
If you are going to a Developmental Pediatrician, or an Autism Specialist you should have your diagnoses quickly!. By quick, i mean over a few appointments perhaps, but not over several months!. There may be an initial parent interview where you will have to answer some questions about his history and development!. Then they will see your child for testing!. There may be several different tests, and since your son is very young, and even a typical child that age doesnt have the attention span to sit through several tests in one day, the testing may be devided up into several appointments!.
There then may be a separate appointment to review the results with you!.
It also possible that it will all be done in one day!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
There then may be a separate appointment to review the results with you!.
It also possible that it will all be done in one day!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Dependant upon which sources are available to you, statementing a child can sometimes take a long time!. You mention weeks/months, not wishing to dampen your hopes, but sometimes it takes years!.
Statementing a child is not a step that is taken lightly and of course, there are a number of syndromes which are classified under the "Autistic Spectrum"
Do not be afraid to ask questions when you see the consultant paediatrician!.!.!.!.!.like every parent, you naturally want all the help you can get for your child!.
I wish you well for tomorrow and the future!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Statementing a child is not a step that is taken lightly and of course, there are a number of syndromes which are classified under the "Autistic Spectrum"
Do not be afraid to ask questions when you see the consultant paediatrician!.!.!.!.!.like every parent, you naturally want all the help you can get for your child!.
I wish you well for tomorrow and the future!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
As jenkin 19 says it does take a long time until you get the right doctor!. Because autism is on such a large spectrum many doctors are very confused and sometimes afraid to diagnose autism!. If you get the right doctor who does the right tests and observes your son in different situations the diagnosis should be done in a few weeks!. I doubt your son will come home after just one consultation with a diagnosis but then you do want the doctor to be right so your son can get the help he needs!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
There are certain pediatric milestones that docs look for!. Like what age do children become verbal, how many words do they string together for making a sentence, etc!. They also look for social skills, like making eye contact, interacting with others, parallel play, etc!. This is what a doc will look for when he meets with your child!. Keep in mind there are varying degrees of autism!. Please be open minded and if your child needs help, get it!. Please do not deny any 'red flags'!. If autistic problems are diagnosed early, than intervention is the best chance for a successful outcome!. Every child is special, some just learn or communicate differently than others!.Www@Answer-Health@Com