Just An Update Really

[andypandy2]

Hi there.

Basically I have probably only posted in this forum a few times over the last 9 months, but as the advice and support given has been so good, I thought I'd just share an update. (Plus sometimes writing things down helps clear my thoughts.)

I think I first posted here when my son was about 2.5 and saying very little and the words that he did say were very strange.
Then I think I posted that I truly thought my son had Verbal Dyspraxia.
Turns out, (in another post,) that after a SALT assessment, she didn't think Verbal Dyspraxia but told me my son's understanding of language was presenting as delayed, which it turn would not help the 'behaviours' I had previously contacted the HV team about (around the same time) as I was really struggling.

Anyway, fast forward...my son is now 3 and although his receptive and expressive language are definitely progressing (with the guidance of the local Speech and Language Unit we now use 2 word phrases, Makaton signs, 'First this' 'THEN that' strategies etc..) instead of exploring my son's speech issues SEPERATELY from his 'very boisterous boy' behaviours...my husband and I have recently visited a fab Paediatrician to see if my son sits somewhere within that colourful Autistic Spectrum and at present are taking a 6 month wait approach to see whether his traits reduce or become more prevalent.

Time will tell and I'm trying just to concentrate in the meantime on the fact that he is an absolutely gorgeous, cheeky monkey!

xx

 

[Reid]

We were just over 6 months wait for my boys diagnosis. I do think I commented on some of you're posts but I had to change my name on here for personal reasons.
Sounds like you're little man's doing great 😊 xx

 

[andypandy2]

He is doing great and I feel much better for the fact that we are 'fully investigating' speech issues AND behaviours now if you see what I mean as at one point I was telling the SALT about my son's behaviour and there was no suggestion it could be a 'bigger picture', (just that speech delays and or impairments can IMPACT behaviour) and I was telling the HV about both, but other than give me some behaviour management strategies, she again never questioned a bigger picture?
Anyhow subsequently the paediatrician appointment (that we waited a long time for) only came about because I asked for a referral from the GP.

Having said that, in SALT/HV even his Preschools defence (as Preschool don't acknowledge any different behaviour other than speech), my son is such a happy, smiling, affectionate boy, who enjoys been around others and isn't inflexible in regards routine...so I think they can't see past that.

If you don't mind me airing Reid, the behaviours that do concern me are...

Speech
My son doesn't always respond to his name. (Probably 50/50.)
He has no sense of danger. Water/cars etc.
He will not walk holding hand or with reins and always runs off.
If he is not fully stimulated (ie tv/playing with me/moving in the car or pushchair) he just looks for mischief.
He really struggles to take turns.
He's rigid in what he likes to play with and watch.
He is very particular about some things ie (what he has with him at bed time, the way things are positioned etc.)
He sometimes walks on his tip toes.

How is your son coming along Reid. Has his diagnosis helped to access support? Like I say it's a wait until the next paediatrician appointment in June for us.

xx

 

[Reid]

My son has some of the traits your son has. The no sense of danger is the one that scares me most but I try to teach him I'm other ways which he has picked up. In the spring/summer we do alot of walking up the country roads where there are cars going back and forth to the horse riding school he doesn't get the danger but because every time a car approaches us I say "car coming" a few times he knows now to stand into the side and stay still till the car passes.
If he's doing his own thing he won't acknowledged you shouting his name. He used to run off but is alot better now. He to is very loving and affectionate.
In regards to did his diagnosis help with anything well no its been a huge let down in though it would open the door to some support ie kids clubs ect absolutely nothing got handed some leaflets that was it and thag was September we haven't heard a word from any health care professionals since I'm really really disappointed by it.
I'm just glad he's in such a fantastic nursery that specialises in asd children xx

 

[andypandy2]

I'm glad strategies are working for you in regards taking your son for walks! Just been able to have my son stand near me without running off when stood outside the school gate (waiting for my daughters) is something I long for!!!
Oh no, I'm so sorry you don't feel supported since your son's diagnosis, that's terrible...and to be honest the thought of receiving some kind of support is the reason parents seek a diagnosis!!! It's certainly why we've made the first steps to see a paediatrician.

xx