So I mentioned in a previous post that we had decided to hold of on getting Miss 1 formally diagnosed until she is older. Reason one was that she is not currently in need of immediate therapy or psychiatric assistance. Reason two was that I already have my hands full with the mountains of paper work required for the boys and Miss 3.
Over the last few weeks we have had a lot of appointments, as I don’t have anyone readily available for babysitting I have been taking them all with me to every appointment and therapy session the boys have had.
This has given the medical team treating the boys time to get to know Miss 1 and on several of these recent visits they have asked me about when I was going to proceed with a diagnostic assessment for her.
I explained my reasons for holding of, she was not experiencing the problems that the boys had and so I figured it was fine to wait. Even our GP had agreed at Miss 1’s health check that it was not a necessity at this stage. Miss 3 only received a diagnosis due to her behaviours being picked up by our psychologist.
However this week at an appointment for Master 5 and Master 7 with their psychologist, Miss 1 in attendance. The doctor made an interesting point I had not yet considered.
What if she was to have a regression or begin a behaviour that I need immediate assistance with? I considered that for a moment and it occurred to me that she was absolutely correct.
If Miss 1 had a problem suddenly arrise what would I do? I would have to start at the beginning with GP appointments and referral letters and then move on to paediatricians and OT assessments. All of which I know can take months. We are still in the final stages of Miss 3’s paperwork.
So for all the time I would be spending, running around in circles to get through all the red tape that you have to handle in order to get a diagnosis, is time that could be spent assisting Miss 1 if and when she needs it.
I am very much aware that an early diagnosis is essential when it comes to ASD as in Queensland funding finishes once your child turns 7. After that you are on your own so to speak. But she is only 1 (soon to be 2) so I though I had time.
I was wrong, looking at the situation after thinking on what the doctor had said I realised I was absolutely crazy for waiting. I guess it was the hope holding me back.
The hope that maybe, just maybe, we were all wrong and she wouldn’t be on the spectrum. However I know that she is, and I know it’s not the end of the world. I know how fortunate I am, despite all of my children (except Miss 13) being Autistic, I know that they are extremely blessed.
While they all have their challenges, the boys definitely more so than the girls. They are all high functioning and verbal, Master 7’s selective mutism not included.
So I know how lucky I am when I get to hear my children say I love you, I know how lucky I am that they all go to mainstream school and function for the most part, very well. I know that it could be so much worse.
So with all that in mind we are going ahead with her diagnosis. I feel a sense of responsibility to my child and being prepared for the worst is always the best option. If you think it might rain, you take an umbrella!
I am not looking forward to the process as it takes so much time and energy, but the idea of being protected if the rain does start to fall is somewhat comforting. I know if she does have any issues, I will be ready, I will be able to seek assistance immediately and not have to pay hundreds of dollars for it.
So on that note, if you think your child may be on the spectrum, or if you know they are but haven’t done anything about it yet, I urge you to reconsider. If that tie comes and they need help, in whatever form, at least you will be ready!
As always, thanks for reading!
@mumofmany