Getting a diagnosis of Autism as a child can be beneficial as it allows:
- Parents and Carers to understand their child's needs and how to get help
-Get support in school
-Get support for parents/carers including financial support
-Understand their child's behaviour and difficulties
Most children do not receive their diagnosis until the age of 4 (or 6 years for ADD/ADHD)
Assessments need to be NICE compliant and take consideration of behaviour from two different environments, normally and educational setting and home.
Getting a Diagnosis
If you think your child may have Autism it is best to speak directly to your GP or health professional, this could also be a health visitor and ask for a referral for an Autism Assessment.
The NHS website has some useful information when asking for an Autism Assessment for your child,
Trouble getting a Diagnosis
If you are having trouble getting a diagnosis you can :
-ask for another opinion from a different GP
- contact our Autism Information and Advice Service, wherein some circumstance we can contact your GP on your behalf to discuss
-you can also seek support from others who have been in a similar situation to yourself