So I finally get some one who agrees, but now what?

[diva det]

whoot finally of getting a dx
it must be such a relief that a medical person has now put a label and a condition name on what you have allready identified in your son
yes get on to the school
in vic there is funding for kids on the autism spectrum- but not for auditory processing disorder!!
it would be worth getting him tested for APD but they wont do that until the chid is around 8 years old
you will need some letters written by your pead stating that he does have a dx condition!
also you can apply for the carers allowance and a HCC for him as well- its not much but helpful still
also getting a speachy involved would be helpful with the auditory processing issues and the school phsycologists
once you are in the system the ball will keep rolling and his dx gets him in the system!!!!
make an appointment with the principal and they will point you in the right directions but get on it sooner than later as there are cut o*** for funding etc !!!
hang in there!!

[suse]

Who did you see FJ? Tim Warnock I'm guessing? He dx'd DS and he is great at fast-tracking a dx (and understands the benefits of doing so), but I also felt a little unsure of where next after the first appt. If you're unsure, give the office a call and ask for clarification of what you need to do next, you wouldn't be the first to do so.

[~clover~]

Can they not do the auditory test til they are 8? Bugger, I didn't know that...

FJ have you seen an OT? I was told you don't need a referral to one, that's one of the things I'm trying to line up, but it could take 6 months here I would love to have the money to go private.

[*Efjay*]

Who did you see FJ? Tim Warnock I'm guessing? He dx'd DS and he is great at fast-tracking a dx (and understands the benefits of doing so), but I also felt a little unsure of where next after the first appt. If you're unsure, give the office a call and ask for clarification of what you need to do next, you wouldn't be the first to do so.

My original referral was with him but I couldn't get an appointment till August! So I have been seeing Dr Messer. My SIL also sees Warnock so I had that recommendation AND A friend who sees Messer so I was happy to go with who ever I could get the appointment with first & Messer it was.

I think I already miss out on any funding for Evan as he is 8 & half. Glenn is 6 & half I think the cut of is 6? BUT Just a HCC would be nice. Appointment today was $270 & I had Glenns which was the same just a fortnight ago so it stings a bit!
I haven't see anyone beyond the pead up here. We did speech with Glenn in NSW but APD was never discussed. I feel every avenue fobbed me off in NSW. So this has been a big plus for moving to QLD, finally getting some acknowledgment that my boys need help & im not some nut case Mum with nothing better to do then read the net & google!
.

[*Efjay*]

Autistic Disorder or Asperger's Disorder (not including Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified) when diagnosed:

by a psychiatrist, developmental paediatrician, or a psychologist experienced in the assessment of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and
using the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

From the centerlink website....
So Would the pead I am seeing need to be a developmental pead... How do I know if he is?


eta - i tell you what it was really interesting reading what his teacher had to say. When I tried to get the same ball rolling in NSW his teacher there gave me her "observation" list. Which was all of a few lines of pretty much nothing.
Here, though, his teacher wrote out a page worth of stuff. Noting everything from his obsession with fiddling with small objects (notably pencil sharpeners?!) & that he is always at the bin sharpening pencils. That he interrupts all the time but in a "joining in the conversation way" yet seems unable to make friends. Gets up & collects rubbish, other peoples things to return them etc. Touches things after being instructed not too. Keen to be helpful yet doesn't wait to be asked or instructed & will just take it upon himself to do & often crosses boundaries in doing so. Jumps ahead & starts/tries to complete a task before listening/reading/following instruction & just guesses what he needs to do. he will often make inappropriate noises while working (now this is something that made me go "really?!"). Likes to play with lego at free time but doesn't share with a group & gets upset when its time to pack up & will often sneak bits back to his desk to fiddle with etc.

It went on but I was so thankful that she was so detailed & actually did realise that yes there is a problem.
Its just so nice to have people who are in a position to actually help agree that we need it! This has been about 4 years in the making!

[christy]

Wow... what a relief? But it is also confusing.

A behavioural paed would be best. Also, while you are at it, google Temple Grandin's stuff... she has some youTube vids of her lectures where she describes the visual perception issues associated with ASD. OT and/or behavioural optomotrists help with that.

I know for me the first few months were the most confusing, and as you are going through MORE than just this, take it easy. Dedicate time for just investigating things. I spend 1 hour a week researching things associated with ASD and SPD. It takes time, but if I have it, I can spend it focused on that.

[*Efjay*]

We have an appointment with a behavioral optometrist tomorrow.

I feel like even though I have been chasing this for so long I have no idea what I need to do now I have it!
We also have a P/T interview with both boys teachers tomorrow.

[emc2]

There's a number of little support groups in Cairns, if you Google them. Then you can get in touch with other Mums about local advice and how to access services.

Also on the letter, get the doctor to write that DS has been diagnosed with the "Autism Spectrum Disorder - Asperger's Syndrome", my knowledge might be out of date, but having Autism on the letter can help access certain services at times apparently.