Getting Assessed for Autism
Do you know, I think this is one of the hardest and longest things I have had to battle on behalf of my son ever? It takes YEARS. And it’s not an easy road to travel, either.
One of the common and most natural questions I got asked when he was a baby was what would he do if he saw another toy he wanted across the room. And I looked at them and said “he wouldn’t see it.” You could see the almost disbelieving stare as it came home to me once again just how different my son was from the many children I had known and babysat for in my past.
And you couldn’t really fault them. I mean, how many of you have known a baby scream and cry and try to get something they want? Erm, have I seen another baby that hasn’t? Truthfully I would have to admit I haven’t. Years ago, I was visiting a friend who had a small toddler and she looked at my pretty stick and pointed to it. I said that she couldn’t have it because it belonged to me. So, she got her FAVOURITE doll and handed it to me in exchange for the stick. However, I declined the swap which didn’t go down too well.
It does annoy and upset me to see how people are disbelieved when they say what is wrong with their child, when that child is on the spectrum but not diagnosed. Basically, it feels like the adult is pushed aside because the child isn’t seen as being on the spectrum because it isn’t diagnosed! Makes no difference if your child is diagnosed or undiagnosed, They still ARE, either way!
Unfortunately most places will only accept you on courses WHEN your child IS diagnosed. And finding help or resources is hard, even when you do know. Hopefully things will change and continue getting better in this regard.
It is such a hard slog fighting for your child to actually GET the assessment. And sometimes they even break up the assessment on to separate days. One thing I would say is if you ARE going to get someone assessed take a list of the things you think are autistic and get anyone who looks after them regularly or any other professional that has seen them to send a letter in to the assessors.
After that I would suggest you draw breath and give yourself a break to gear up for the next task of whatever it is you need to fight to get whoever is on the spectrum the help and support they need. You’ll need it!