How long does it normally take a peaditrican to diagnose autistic spectrum disorders?

Question

How long does it normally take a peaditrican to diagnose autistic spectrum disorders?
After a number of difficulties with my little boy of almost 9 years ,my GP suggested that he may have something related to the autistic spectrum disorder.He mentioned aspergers syndrome and has refered him to a local peaditrician.We are due to see him this week,will they they be able to tell us on the day if this is the case or is it usual to have a lot more tests etc. Does anyone know the procedure in the UK for this type of diagnosis

Answer 1

we had t have our son see his Doctor, a psychologist, a speech person and then one of the 2 doctors in our state who will officially diagnose kids with it. when we went to see the big Doctor we had all the other doctors notes plus( he was 3 at the time) all the notes we gt from the preschool teachers and the school psychologist. we got enough info t get him diagnosed the day we went to see the Doctor

Answer 2

If your son has high functioning autism or Aspberger's, then it is possible for him to have gone all these years without anyone wondering if he has autism. The good news is that your son's autism is probably very mild if he is 9 and the pediatrician is just now wondering if your son has autism.

I am not in the UK, but have heard the diagnosis method is pretty much the same as it is here in the US. The specialist will probably talk to your son and also observe him for signs of autism, and will probably talk with you and ask you more about how your son behaves at home (like if he does any repetitive motions), as well as ask you specifically what some of your son's problems are in school/home.

The UK does have many good programs for children with ASD, the most famous one being SonRise, which was created by parents who have an autistic son. Good luck with your and your son!

Answer 3

It depends on where you live. Generally you have to have a multi disciplinary assessment which involves a paed a psychologist and a speech therapist. You can try ringing your local council and ask have they got an ASD Pathway and then contact them to find out how long the waiting list is for this assessment. It cannot be a sole diagnosis by one person, and generally they do not like to speculate so you could be in for a long wait. If I was you log onto www.nas.org.uk and check out the symptoms and make a list of things for when you go to see the paed. Give yourself a couple of days to observe him so you know it is thorough and it will help you feel less tongue tied. Also get school to look at the symptoms and see if they can recognise anything and write something to state that he does these specific things.

It's a long process but if you feel you are getting desperate to know you can have him diagnosed privately by a specialist psychologist in ASD which is what I had to do with my daughter. Contact me at [e-mail] if you ever want to. Good luck

Answer 4

There are several tests that can be done, but usually the diagnosis of autism spectrum is made based on observation. It does help to see a speech therapist or psychologist as well as a pediatrician, but your pediatrician should be able to tell you something after meeting your child. Meeting with other professionals may be recommended just to confirm the diagnosis. Good luck.

Answer 5

My brother has Aspergers and was only diagnosed at 9 yrs old when mum mentioned it to our GP.
He was refered to a specialist and on the day that the specialist saw my brother, Ryan, he was diagnosed.
A word of warning, if you get the diagnosis, make sure that you ask for the diagnosis on paper and for links to support groups.
And maybe when the transition time from primary -> secondary school, if you believe that the child needs a classroom assistant for thins like organizational skills and familiarity, try to get a Statement of Special Needs in place BEFORE the child starts at the new school
I'm speaking from experience!

Shonagh x

Answer 6

I am in the US. My son was seen by the same team of doctors, about four or five in different areas, over a two year period in order to get the diagnosis. The apointments covered four hours on two days. It will likely take you more than one viist but I am not sure how it is done in the UK.

Answer 7

Depends on the severity - e.g. dyslexia lies on the Autistic spectrum - albeit at one end.

Suggest a clinical psychiatric assessment rather than pead - which tends to be medical - ask your GP / nay demand of him a further referal.

You will need the psychiatrist's report for gravitas when it comes to getting a statement enforced or out of the LA - it trumps SENCO / educational psychologist / learning style etc.

Answer 8

If your child has passed an audiology test, a pediatrician should be able to give an immediate diagnosis. For the best possible advice and diagnosis, I suggest you see a good developmental pediatrician.

Best wishes!

Answer 9

The best kind of testing to determine whether your child is on the Autism spectrum and, if he is, where on the spectrum he falls, is a neuropsychologist.

Answer 10

To be honest it takes forever - speak to other parents by contacting them at support groups