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

[*Efjay*]

Evan had his pead appointment today. Based on what I took in from other avenues of "support", what his teacher wrote out for me & my own answers to questions as well as Evans. He was more then happy to say YES he would diagnose with Aspergus syndrome with out further testing. He feels what he has already had done is enough to diagnose. I didn't say it was my thoughts at all but When he asked if I had heard of it & my thoughts all I could think was FINALLY! Some one sees it, gets it! IM NOT COO COO!

He also thinks Evan has a learning block which we still need to work out, but similar to Glenn who he thinks has an Auditory processing disorder (or also Aspergus), He thinks Evan has the same processing issues but with what he sees. So he can read fine but doesn't understand what he reads etc.

He said he would write to the school about both boys & feels Evan needs to work closely with the school counsellor & would put in writing his thoughts & recommendation for both boys. But I kinda walked out & still have no real direction.
He said to come back in a couple of months. But What do I do now? just wait to see what he sends/says to the school?
Im not sure if I got an "offical" diagnosis of Aspergus or not.
He seems to be a excellent pead, great with the kids yet stern & listens to my concerns with out brushing me off etc. Im just not sure if I should have left with more information on the next step or not.... Is the next step him just contacting the boys school? Then 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.

[diva det]

What about bringing in the school psychogists? Time for some heavy guns I reckon!!!

[*Efjay*]

We have the ball rolling for that. Well the counsellor anyway. But paper work has to be submitted, referrals sent, hearing/eye tests done etc etc before the school will do any of their own assessments.

[diva det]

that is insane! the psch is the one down here that organises all the other referals!! get an auditory processing hearing test done- not just an ordinary hearing test!!!! the auditory processing one goes for 90 mins times 2 sessions!! pretty intense but oretty accurate!! our school psch got us on to them!!

[*Efjay*]

We think its Glenn with the Auditory issues but im not sure. Evan we think is visual.
Glenn is actually doing well at school apparently. He is pretty sound in most area's or slightly above in others. Still all new & figuring out the next steps.