There can often be similarities of how children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders arrive at a diagnosis.

For some developmental milestones, such as speech, are delayed in the early years. You may receive a referral to a paediatrician or CDC (Child Development Centre) where a multi-professional team will undertake a full assessment.

For some entry into nursery, pre-school or reception class can trigger the process mentioned above.

For ages 8 - 10 as the child, who may have 'coped' within the environment of the infant school moves on to the junior school. This entails more abstract learning and more complex social interaction and can prove too much for some.

At 11 - 13 there is another major leap - to secondary school. The child may have managed within the close confines of the primary school with one teacher and one set of peers. However, moving to 'high' school brings many changes of classrooms, teachers and subjects on a daily basis. The social structure becomes more demanding. Abstract learning is at a higher level and children are expected to be responsible to a greater extent for their own learning and organisation. The sophisticated social demands and the onset of puberty can exacerbate their difficulties.

If you believe that your child may have an autistic spectrum disorder - you should initially contact your GP and ask for a referral to a paediatrician (who knows about high functioning autism) or a CDC.

If your school have suspect there is a problem and have placed your child on the special needs register you would still be recommended to see your GP and follow the above route. The stages a school has to follow can take some considerable time before bringing any real action. 

COMING TO TERMS WITH THE DIAGNOSIS.

Many parents, even though they have had their suspicions, being told your child has an autistic spectrum disorder can still be devastating. You may feel angry, guilty, you may even grieve all these feelings are quite normal and most of us have been through them ourselves. Often we re-grieve as our child fails to reach some milestone expected at a particular age. But we have to remember to give them extra time and often the milestone is reached - just later than expected.

In Adults:

For some people, life has always been confusing. They may feel they do not understand the way the world operates, but have learnt to cope. Coping takes many forms, but sometimes, life throws difficulties at us, which some find very stressful. An adult, or their carers, may suspect they have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The best thing then is to obtain some information of ASD and present this to your GP with your feelings of how the criteria fits you: with examples of things which have happened that would highlight the 'difficulties'. Many GP's do not understand ASD. The GP should be asked to refer you to a specialist - one with a working understanding and appreciation of ASD. Local groups or the National Autistic Society may have information on local professionals who are experienced in ASD. Referral to a professional with a lack of understanding of ASD may interpret the 'symptoms' as other things - such as schizophrenia.

Many adults who have never been diagnosed, but who may well have ASD can suffer additional mental health problems - such as depression and anxiety.

© Rosalyn Lord 2000