1 POST DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT Martine L Marshallsay

2 POLICY FRAMEWORK  National Autism Plan for Children (NAPC) 2003  A.S.D. Strategic Action Plan for Wales 2008  N.I.C.E. Clinical Guidelines 2011

3 AIMS OF SESSION  Giving the diagnosis  Support after diagnosis  Support after non-diagnosis  Diagnosis in Teenage Years

4 DIAGNOSIS  “When parents finally realise their child has autism, when they realise that in a sense they have ‘lost’ the child they thought they were going to have, they often feel overwhelmed by a sense of despair and depression, coupled with anxiety about their child’s future” (Baron-Cohen, Bolton. 1994)

5 GIVING THE DIAGNOSIS  Who is giving the diagnosis?  Who is receiving the diagnosis?  Consider timing of appointment  Establish knowledge and awareness of family

6 GIVING THE DIAGNOSIS  Discuss the results of assessments  Discuss the rationale for diagnosis or non-diagnosis  Allow time for questions and discussion  Give initial written information

7 PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE  Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley

8 POST DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT  Planned further opportunity to discuss diagnosis  Contact telephone numbers of appropriate professionals  Information about process and services  Information about support groups and organisations

9 DIAGNOSIS IN TEENAGE YEARS  Who is the best person to give the diagnosis?  What post diagnostic support is available?  A difficult time!

10 DAVID  Diagnosis confirmed at 15  David received diagnosis at 17  Managing the situation  Support for the family

11 HARRY  Diagnosis at 15  Positive impact on school life for Harry  Future opportunities  Knowledge = Relief

12 PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE Celebrating Holland – I’m home! By Cathy Anthony