how do i get my son checked for autism?

Louise - posted on 04/18/2011

Thank you everyone for you're advice it's brilliant and i'm so happy i'm being taken seriously by people, i live in manchester, england, and i think they don't diagnose until they're 6 iv'e been told but i don't want him struggling for another 4 years if there is something wrong, thanks again for all your advice and i'm going to do all i can to get him assesed for it xxx

Laurie - posted on 04/18/2011

I've had other health issues with my son; and I've learned to be more aggresive about getting the help my children need. You can not count on the pediatrician or the schools offering it, or just saying "sure, we'll help". You have to insist on seeing a specialist and insist on an evaluation from whatever early intervention org is in your area. We have Alta Regional in California. It is not just you age, a lot of doctors don't respect mothers opinion.

Kristy - posted on 04/18/2011

Louise,
I have an 8 year old with Autism. I contacted the special eduation department for the school district I was living in. They walked me through everything!! He was evaluated right away and began FREE services through the district at the age of 3. After a diagnosis from the district, I then got a referral to a developemental pediatrician. My son had very similar issues as yours. My pediatrician recomended a hearing test as well. We did that, and everything was fine with his hearing. So, the next step was to get a formal diagnosis. My son started EVERYTHING the district would give him....speech, occupational and developmental therapies. He was very resistant and frustrated ALL the time. I think I cried just as much as he did! But, now he is 8 and he speaks and communicates pretty good. We still have our issues (especially with behavior, but the Abilify helps with that). Keep your chin up. Contact your school district for some help. They will happily point you in the right direction. God bless you in your journey with your son. I promise you it does get better! There is so much help out there.

Michelle - posted on 04/18/2011

Sounds like you need a new pediatrician. Definitely check out Early Intervention as other commenters have suggested. Either look it up in the phone book or ask your pediatrician. If your pediatrician won't help you go to or call the local elementary school and ask for the number.

Good luck!

Amanda - posted on 04/17/2011

your storie from what I have read and saw what you said about them not taking you seriosly because of your age is my story exactly. my son who is now 6 was your son when he was 2. he did all the things you say your son does. I took him to his Pediatrition and got resistance. I finally convinced her to give him a behavioral evaluation which is what they do in Oregon for sutism evals. he was diagnosed with Autism immediatley. The dr.s that did his eval were so mad that his ped. said he was fine. I stongly incourage you to contact your local early intervention programs. they were the lifesaver I needed to learn how to teach my son. if you need advice you can contact me. I have been going through this for a while and may have some advice for you. Good luck. ~ Amanda

Catherine - posted on 04/17/2011

I'm not sure where you live, but in the States there is a program through most counties called Early Intervention (or something similar) that you or the doctor could call and set up an appointment, and they will take things from there. The hearing test is really important, though, and it is part of the Early Intervention screening process and will be a required part of the evaluation. After you get those results back, you should be able to move on to the next step.

Louise - posted on 04/17/2011

iv'e been yo my gp, but i don't think they're taking me seriously, because i'm only 21 they think i don't know nothing!!, they say i have to wait for a hearing test, but i know there's nothing wrong with his hearing

Michelle - posted on 04/17/2011

Take him to your Pediatrician or take him to your nearest Children's Hospital if you can
.