ADOS results. Bit shocked.

[minifingers]

ADOS done two weeks ago. Got the draft report from the psychologist yesterday, with 'Diagnosis: Aspergers Syndrome, written on the front page. Nothing we weren't expecting. However, I'm shocked that Ds got 18 on the ADOS, when the cut off for a diagnosis of autism is 10. 17 of these points were from the first two parts of the test - for language and communication, and reciprocal social interaction. He only scored 1 on the 'stereotyped behaviours and restricted interests' section of the course.

Reading the report it's coming home to me just how abnormal his interaction is with other people. I'm so used to him, love him so much and enjoy his company that I've adapted to the way he is. His brother, who he's very close to in age to, is a very sensitive and amenable little boy, and he's also adapted his behaviour and communication to fit around him so that when you watch them playing together it's not always obvious that DS2 has autism. Somehow their relationship works. But reading the report and thinking back to observing the tests, it's made me realise how much DS2 is living in his own world. How little true 'reaching out' to other people there is. Everything is on his terms. And somehow we've arrived at a situation where we don't mind that so much, because he's usually nice to be with. But I worry about his relationships in the future with people outside of the family who adore him, and wonder what, if anything, can be done to change the way he interacts with other people.

I'm not sure why I posted this by the way, just wanted to set out my thoughts and feelings about his diagnosis.

[lisad123]

How old is her?
There are way to change behaviours, these children are in most ways able to learn how, but where as for NT it comes easy, for children with Asd it's like learning a new skill. It takes time and direction, it also needs to be taught for every situation as transferring these skills to other situations isn't natural for them either.

I sometimes forget how different our life and our girls are because its just always been that way. I'm some ways it's easier because you are already doing what so many parents have to relearn.

Welcome to the board and please give yourself time to absorb the information it's a hard time for anyone.

[minifingers]

Thanks Lisad. DS is 7.

I've already posted on this board under a different user name over the past few years. Usually howls of frustration about how slow it's been getting a diagnosis. I have known he has sn since he was 3, the school only recognised there was a problem when he was in year 1, despite us constantly flagging his difficulties up. He's now in year 3 and has finally got an assessment and diagnosis. After 10 months on the waiting list for CAMHS!

[Handywoman]

Welcome, minifingers. Our kids are so close to us that it is only natural that we grow as parents to fit their needs. I have also done an 'about face' in my perception of my daughter, following recent assessment by SaLT. It is uncomfortable and takes -t-i-m-e- to get your head around. But shows how much you have grown, along with him, as a parent. A diagnosis comes with a range of mixed emotions, even when it's expected (a bit like finding out you are pregnant). Look after yourself as you regroup from here.

Hugs and a honk from here.

Handy xxxxx

[Ineedalife]

Hi mini I have a Dd who wasnt diagnosed until 9 after a 3.5 year battle.

Even though I knew she had ASD I still felt like I had been kicked when I saw it on paper.

I agree with lisad that you can change children's behaviour but with ASD it can be harder and take longer.

We have recently started to use comic strip conversations to help Dd3 begin to learn about other peoples feelings and how her behaviour can effect other people.

Be kind to yourself and good luck