Today marks the start of World Autism Acceptance Week. Last year after a very long wait and a long process, my eldest son (37) was diagnosed as being autistic with ADD (attention deficit disorder.) As an educational professional I've always known he was and supported him as such. He's one of the lucky 29% that has some employment. He works (part time) with young people and children who have autism and by all accounts is rather good at it. Although he does find it very difficult to cope with the practicalities of getting to and from work etc. This is why I want to continue to live in Stirling so I can support him (and his wife!)
But the statistics are scary 😟 My local NHS trust announced last year that they are no longer funding referrals for diagnosis. If anyone wants a diagnosis to get any sort of help, they'll have to pay for it.
I get that the NHS is so over burdened but early intervention in many things would save money in the longer term. It's just so sad.
At the age of 59 I've just been referred for an autism assessment by my eating disorder therapist. I'm expecting a long wait. My daughter was diagnosed with autism at 33 and ADHD at 34. When I told her I'd been referred, her response was 'Of course you have'. She said it is obvious in me, but it was not for her to diagnose. It will explain such a lot about me, and my eating disorder is now to be treated as if I am autistic, so hopefully after over 4 months of little progress things will change.
ReplyDeleteI hope your wait isn't too long. It's such a shame that people have to wait until they're adults to find out. But you are so right, it's not for us to diagnose even if we're experienced enough to recognise it. Many things about my son can be attributed to autism but when he was at school I was dismissed as an over protective mum. Even though I was a teacher myself!! :-) xxx
DeleteOh bugger, that is bad news (about NHS I mean). My youngest actually got referral to further diagnosis TODAY, of all days! When he was really young, he seemed the most normal of my children :-) But as I am AS myself, it was no surprise. Actually, a lot of my family are in the spectrum, so it's not big deal for us - but for many it is huge, I know. Didn't know about international autism week, good to know.
ReplyDeleteUlvmor
It runs in our family too. My dad, my uncle, my nephew and I would say my ex husband and ex FIL too!!! I have worked with many families in school who refused point blank to even start the referral process when the kids were young. Realising their child was 'different' at the point of going to high school was too late and the extra support they needed just wasn't in place. It was taking an average of 4 years to 'gather evidence' before getting a diagnosis in primary school. And that's just going to get worse now. I'm so grateful my son now has something 'official' to share with DWP etc when they hassle him about his benefits :-) xxx
DeleteThanks for highlighting Autism Week and the cynic and lifelong educationalist in me says that NHS doesn’t fund the diagnosis so they don’t have to provide support! It’s great that your son has a job and that he is good at it. My daughter is an FE lecturer and many of the students have Autism or ADHD. Hope you all enjoy the wedding and that we may be allowed a glimpse of some photos. Catriona
ReplyDeleteSadly I don't think you're being cynical!! It's all about saving money :-( I'm heading North tomorrow for the wedding. It's a full traditional style Scottish wedding in a castle but I'm sure I can sneak a few photos in ;-) xxx
DeleteHere in Alberta we are very fortunate to have the best resources, funding and help for children on the autism spectrum. People from all over the country move here because of this. It is becoming more and more evident that early intervention is the key and some children here are being identified as young as 18 months and getting the help they need.
ReplyDeleteThat's brilliant! Early intervention is the key to getting help where needed :-) xxx
DeleteI worked with many a child as an Educational Assistant that was Autistic or on the spectrum. Wonderful students who just needed a bit of extra help. Early intervention is the key, and most students here are diagnosed while in pre kindergarten. This is in Saskatchewan, Canada.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Sounds like Canada is very switched on when it comes to supporting additional needs :-) xxx
DeleteThanks for posting about this. 2 of my granddaughters have been diagnosed autistic, and there are other members of my family who I think could well be autistic or similar.........surely anyone with a special need should get the help they need.... some things just seem to move backwards don't they 😏
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
It's simply a lack of funding that makes it hard for all involved. And yep, it does seem to run in families :-) xxx
DeleteMy son has mild Aspergers which was picked up early and I'm so grateful that he got so much support when he was younger. Now I'm more aware of how it presents in women I suspect that I'm on the spectrum too. A lot of things now make sense. Arilx
ReplyDeleteI think more women are getting diagnosed now we understand it presents differently from men :-) xxx
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