Autosm diagnosis

sophiehallsworth100
sophiehallsworth100 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Autism and neurodiversity
Hi everyone, 

Brand new to all this sort of thing but felt if was the right time to speak to people that will be far more experienced than us.

We have a beautiful daughter Darcey who is 6, she is kind, gentle and sees the best in anyone she meets. 

She was born  by c section at 37.5 weeks however docs bebelived my placenta had not worked since around 32 weeks unbeknown to anyone.

Darcey has never met her milestones, she has since been diagnosed with a developmental delay by the paediatrician, who highly suspects darcey also has adhd and autism.

We have a meeting tomorrow with a clinical psychologist and the same paediatrician and as her parents we feel very relieved that finally this appointment has come around as it's been a long hard fight! But also apprehensive from what to expect. 

If anyone could help at all we would be so grateful. 

Biggest thanks in advance 

Sophie and Chris 

Comments

  • April2018mom
    April2018mom Posts: 2,863 Championing
    Hello @sophiehallsworth100. 
    Welcome aboard! You might find this helpful to read.  
    https://themighty.com/2019/02/tips-new-autism-diagnosis/
    These are general tips that worked for me. 
    Do attend all appointments with a pen. Take quick notes during the appointment. Prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor too. Find out about support and benefits as well. Accept offers of help. Sleep when she does at night. 
    Best wishes! 
  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 11,754 Online Community Programme Lead
    Hello @sophiehallsworth100 and a warm welcome to the community. How did you get on today?
  • sophiehallsworth100
    sophiehallsworth100 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
    Hi,

    We finally have a diagnosis. Darcey has been diagnosed with level 2 autism.

    We ate waiting for the educational psychologist to visit Darcey at school  they think after this appointment she may also have a diagnosis of adhd.

    Did people find diagnosis was a good thing and their child benefited from this as we aren't really sure what we can do moving forward. School are currently applying to put an EHCP in place. 

    Any advice would be great.

    Thanks,
    Sophie 
  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 11,754 Online Community Programme Lead
    edited August 2024

    Hi

    @sophiehallsworth100

    , it can be nerve wrecking to receive a diagnosis but it's also an important step in ensuring your daughter can get the right support in place, both at school and otherwise. 
    I'm going to tag in

    @Matt_scope

    and Doris_Scope

    from our Navigate service (a free support service for parents who have recently received a diagnosis for their child), as they may have some advice for you.

  • Doris_Scope
    Doris_Scope Scope Family Services Posts: 183 Family Services
    edited August 2024

    Hi

    @sophiehallsworth100

    I work with the Navigate service at Scope and work with a lot of parents who are on the pathway to diagnosis or have recently received a diagnosis for their child.

    It is great news that Darcy's school are applying for an EHCP.  If Darcy receives one, then it means that the county are law bound to provide the services that stated on it, such as Speech and language or Occupational therapy if that is recommended by the professionals.

    Receiving a diagnosis doesn't always instantly benefit a family unfortunately as there may still be long waits for appointments to put things in place but at least Darcy's school seem on top of it.

    This is the link for the National Autistic Society - 

    .  You may already be aware of them but they have lots of information.

    This is also a link for an Autism toolkit which has lots of information and practical resources -

     

    If you feel you need support, we as a service are able to provide emotional support and practical advice at this time.  There is a referral form if you follow this link 

     or you can ring us for a referral on 0808 801 0510.
    We are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 8pm and on a Saturday from 9am to 12pm.

    I hope we can help in anyway.

    https://www.autism.org.uk/ https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/sites/default/files/include-autism-toolkit-ambitious-about-autism.pdf?download= https://www.scope.org.uk/family-services/navigate/

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 47 Contributor
    Hi @sophiehallsworth100

    You local county council should have a directory of support available in your area called the Local Offer. If you put this into Google for the area you live you should find it. They usually have a Special Educational Needs and Disability section that has details of different parent support groups, clubs for Darcy and other resources that may be useful.

    xx

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