Aspergers

[countrymumof4]

Can anyone give me some advice...we think my 7 year old son may have aspergers syndrome. I would like to have an assessment done but am unsure of how to go about it. We have just recently moved and don't really have a family doctor yet??? Also is it beneficial to have him formally diagnosed as I don't want him "labelled" or "drugged" but do want to learn ways to help him especially in social situations.

[bundymum]

Hi there!! I'm in a similar situation so I know exactly what you're going through! :banghead: We moved here in December last year so we also have no real family doctor so many people suggested I get a referral to a peadiatrician and start writing a diary of my son's behaviours and what he's eaten etc. The good news is we did get the referral and the GP could actually see something in my son as he is always fidgetty, so she sent an urgent fax through to the peadiatrician and hopefully we'll be bumped to the top end of the list! :yelclap: I think the diary plays a major roll as it helps you to remember things that you usually wouldn't, I'm the sort of person who gets into a speciallists office and forgets why they're there! Anyway, I hope this helps you out a bit!

[Can I?]

I think you should be able to ring and make an appointment with a paediatrician or children's psychologist without a referral, but if you ask when you phone, they will tell you if you need one or not. You can then go and get it from any GP. Our child health nurse referred us for assessment and early intervention, so maybe popping into the clinic and asking would be a good thing to do? They seem to know who is who in any given area, and see school age children too, so it should be OK.

Best of luck.

[li'l mac]

Hi there, it's certainly a good idea to have a referal to see if your son does have aspergers. Not to give him a label or to promote medication, but rather because there are great interventions available to assist your son to get the most out of activities and to feel comfortable and happy, for example at school.
I work in special education and the mantra is the earlier you get assistance, the easier it will be for both your son and your family.
Good luck at the GP and paed :thumbsup:

[countrymumof4]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions....I am definately going to start a diary cause I also forget everything once in a specialists office. I will call in and see my maternal health nurse as i have already met her so it might be a good place to start. Once again thanks for all of the advice I feel like I am on the right track now.:)

[angelsofmine]

Hi....

my son was diagnosed with aspergers in jan so if you need any help re how to go about it...just let me know.....i was confused too but wew got thru it all and he now has a class aide and speech etc.......

we saw a clinical psyc for our diagnosis and then backed it up with paeds agreement./....

has made a huge difference to how i treat my son now......but feel free to pm me if you need any advice..

[theycallmemum]

My 10 yr old son has Asperger's. He was diagnosed at the Child Development Unit at Westmead Children's Hospital when he was 6. It is definitely worth getting an assessment done, for starters you know exactly what you are dealing with plus it opens the door to educational funding.

My son has just started the Dore programme which has good results with Asperger's and ADHD.

[Olivia4001]

My 10 yr old son has Asperger's. He was diagnosed at the Child Development Unit at Westmead Children's Hospital when he was 6. It is definitely worth getting an assessment done, for starters you know exactly what you are dealing with plus it opens the door to educational funding.

My son has just started the Dore programme which has good results with Asperger's and ADHD.

Dr paul hutchins is one of the best ones to see about those issues.