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

[*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.

[christy]

When you get the official diagnosis, you actually get a letter from the Gov stating your diagnosis. Its important to keep this for Centrelink (carer's allowence) and medicare (health care card). HTH

[*Efjay*]

hmmmm so should I call the pead's office & request that now? Or wait till the next appointment in June?

[*Efjay*]

Ah school just called. I need to get a few things done before they can start there testing with glenn. Hearing & vision, both where don ein November so I have those sorted. I have the vision side with Evan tomorrow & have booked a hearing test for the 3rd of may.

School Councillor said to contact Autism QLD also. So thats my next call.
Oh I also said I was concerned about Evans performance with things like the NAPLAN coming up in May. And how doing it, & him knowing he isn't doing well would effect him. After all he isn't stupid, he knows he is having issues. She said just don't send him to school that day! LOL. Evan would love that. But we'll see what his teacher thinkls. Take it as it comes.