What should I do if I suspect that my child has autism?

My child is under 5 years old

The child is referred to the consultant paediatrician and is then referred to the Early Years Social Communication Team. This team consists of a parent partnership worker, a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist and sometimes an educational psychologist. The team offers support and assessment with six-monthly clinic reviews. During these clinics, diagnostic feedback may be provided where appropriate.

My child is between 5 and 18 years year old

You will need to see your GP, health visitor or your child’s teacher if you think that your child is showing symptoms of autism spectrum condition (ASC), or you’re worried about their development. This may help you to compare your child’s development and behaviours with others of a similar age and get an opinion from someone else who knows the child well.

If appropriate, the GP, health visitor or teacher can refer you to another service with experience in the area of autism who can make further assessments in specific areas of difficulty. If your child is referred they may be seen by a:

  • speech and language therapist – a specialist in assessing and treating communication problems

  • educational psychologist – an education professional who works with schools to ensure pupils’ learning and special needs are met

  • occupational therapist – who specialises in motor co-ordination, daily living skills and sensory issues

  • paediatrician – a doctor who specialises in treating children and who may check for any co-existing conditions or problems similar to autism

  • CAMHS professionals such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, a nurse practitioner or a social worker, who all have specialist training in mental health issues

Each of these professionals will have experience of normal child development as well as the signs and symptoms of possible autism and social communication difficulties. They may advise that a full multidisciplinary assessment is required and make a formal referral to the Autism and Social Communication team.

If accepted, you will be offered a clinic date appointment. The aim is to offer an assessment within six months. You will be involved in a one-day assessment and on most occasions you will be given diagnostic feedback on the same day.

A written report will be sent out within four weeks which will detail the team’s decision as to whether your child meets the criteria for diagnosis of autism. In addition, future recommendations for your child will be given.

Right Help, Right Time

The new, revised referral process named Right Help, Right Time, as part of the Jersey’s Children First commitment, enables any professional involved in a child/ young person’s life to initiate the referral process (this is now pre-birth to 25).

Training for this process has been offered island wide and is something that we at Autism Jersey are now trained in, and utilising. All professionals involved in a child or young person’s life have access to, and full use of all forms and templates used in this process.

The new Child and Family Assessment and Plan, built upon the initial referral, replaces previous multi-agency assessments and ensures children and their families tell their story only once and that their information and plan moves with them, responding to changing needs and situations.

Schools

Four schools in Jersey have special provision for autism and social communication needs. They are:

Rouge Bouillon and St Saviour’s School (primary)

Grainville and Haute Vallée (secondary)

You can find out more about them here.

Here for you

Going through assessment and possible diagnosis can sometimes be a daunting time for your family.

Autism Jersey can offer support every step of the way, please get in touch with Kerry O’Donovan, Support Services Coordinator.

✉ k.odonovan@autismjersey.org

☎ 07829 999 808