Helpwith youngest childs behaviour.

Dainty1976

Hi all,

First time poster here, saw this and felt I had to post a reply! By no means am I an expert on referrals and Autism but my son was diagnosed TODAY by CAMHS with Classic Autism (the most sever type of Autism) - they are calling him back for a confirmation test for ADHD, have identified and support his physiotherapists diagnosis of Dyspraxia and are working directly with the Paed Cons to diagnose the Dyspraxia officially and the OT to diagnose Sensory Integration Disorder - by the way my son is only 5 yrs 2 months old - so I'm afraid that the poster who stated that 7 is too young was mistaken - officially CAMHS accept referals from Age 5 - my son was actually referred at age 4yrs 6 months because they knew he woulds be assessed until aged 5 although our consultations began at aged 4yrs 10 months!!

I had to bug my GP until she got tired of hearing my voice but eventually I approached and said "look - what harm can it do?" and she referred! The school separately referred to the OT who in turn referred him to Physio and it goes on!

If you are having no joy with the avenues you have already tried I suggest contacting your local Parents in Partnership organisation. They are an advocacy service who should be able to support your concerns and assist you in getting the referrals you need. My local PIP is actually Kids.org who are fantastic - the guy has accompanied me to all the meetings I have asked him to come to and actually sits on the statementing panel for the local council so if/when the time comes he will prove to be a valuable contact! Kids.org are also a national organisation so hopefully you will be able to find a local office to help you! Otherwise try contacting the National Autistic Society directly for advice - although your little girl may or may not be autistic, their advice and knowledge encompass other difficulties on the spectrum and at the very least they will point you in the right direction!

I hope that is of some help and sympathise deeply with your situation!

In terms of some relief for you and your daughter might I suggest getting her a weighted blanket and/or lap pad! They are invaluable in calming these children down and provide sensory comfort which can help improve behaviour! Dont be conned by expensive companies though - you could even make one yourself (there are loads of instructions on the net you can find by googling "make a weighted blanket") - my mum made one each for both my children although only my sons has special needs and the benefit for both of them is distinctively positive! Also, a "movin sit cushion" which you can pick up online for around 20 quid. My son now sits at the dining table and eats faster, talks less and concentrates better when sitting on this inflatable cushion thingy - beleive me its easy to think "how can these things help?" but they really do!