Autism Assessment & Diagnosis Story During Covid | ASD In Girls | ADOS or BOSA | Mummy Of Four UK

[@gemmafrancis6910]

Awe Rhi, I cried with you throughout. After we had our sons diagnosis I cried buckets. I think it was the relief that someone actually believed what I was saying. Now 7 years on and I still get the same feeling seeing another mam struggling. I am so glad you pushed for the assessment as you said if it wasn't at least you would know. Your babies are lucky to have you xxx

[@emma_rose_1810]

I got diagnosed with adhd at 29. I had it all my life but when I was younger they just said i was “full on” and put me in for musical theatre. I wish my mum did as much as you did & I wouldn’t have struggled as much as I did. You’re amazing. And so is you daughter. Well done for fighting for her and never giving up xxx

[@shaunbeecham8522]

You are such an incredible mom! Fight for your babies no matter what. You’re an inspiration. I pray that they each come in contact with the right people to help through through every phase of life. You’re an amazing mom who is absolutely equipped to handle it all. Wishing you all the best.

[@jess5526]

Thankyou for such an honest video. My daughter has speech difficulties and I'm finding it so overwhelming, and have cried and thought I was silly for doing so. This proves I'm not! Well done for being strong and fighting for her!!

[@kattyrevel5910]

You're so strong Jess and a mothers instinct shouldn't be pushed aside you know your daughter better then anyone else! Well done for sticking with it and doing your best things will work out you'll see keep on being that strong mumma bear and know there's a lot of support here and in other forums you're not alone lovely ☺ 💞

[@christinespence6101]

Hi, I've been watching you for a little while. I have 4 children that have been diagnosed with Autism, and some other diagnosis's. I was diagnosed 10th April as a 48 year old, it took me 10 years for my eldest daughter to get the right diagnosis, my daughter and son had their assessments online - which was really interesting. I know how long and tiring t can be to get the right support for our children.

[@MummyofFourUK]

It can be exhausting can't it x

[@Snowysmum07]

As a mother you know your child. Also having two children already diagnosed you already know the signs . I remember when you had Bella assessed and how shocked you were at her results. Sending you and your family big hugs xx💛💛💛

[@MTOAdventures]

You should be very proud of yourself for pushing to get her assessed. And you're spot on when you say your child is the same no matter if you get them diagnosed or not x

[@apparentpathway]

Thank you for sharing. In a strange way it is comforting to know that we are not alone, when listening to others share their experience. Keep Empowered!

[@victoriajane5901]

I put up a fight for my eldest as she masked to well. It’s so overwhelming when you finally get the outcome you wanted even though you knew x

[@racheljones2387]

Currently in early stages of diagnosis with my 3 year old, I've been stamping my feet and he's just been awarded 1:1 in Cylch and paediatrician agrees with me there are many markers of autism. I received comments about working in the field and therefore "looking" for signs, so to have the paediatrician say no I agree there are definitely indicators there was a huge relief and very emotional! Awaiting panel next month to see where he will go Sept but I'll fight every step of the way so he gets the support he needs and deserves ❤️ you're doing the right thing fighting for your children, never apologise for doing that!

[@gailbourne4506]

You have done the right thing for all your children and they are all lucky to have such a loving caring mum who is just doing the very best she can. Take care of yourself Ree as they need you to be well to be the lovely mum you are.xxxx

[@karbear26]

I’m glad you pushed for the assessment and now you have it officially on record and she can get the help she needs! Good job!! Your children will be glad their mum pushed for their well being and helped to make the world easier for them!

[@janetsharp122]

Well done Rhi , you are a wonderful mum ..they can look back on these KZbin vlogs and see just how hard you’ve worked for them all …take care of your beautiful family x

[@SweetLilyJasmine]

My heart goes out to you it really does. You sum it up so well when you try to explain how you are feeling. The persisting, the explaining, the answering questions, the phonecalls...its all so so draining. Sometimes it's all you can manage, just to sit quietly in silence as you zone out. Well done for all your hard efforts💕

[@ljwyro]

You are the best mom, and your kiddos will thrive, due to your tenacity and great mom instincts. Sending love and hugs.

[@maggytrafford3969]

Rhi! I felt your pain and I cried with you. I just wanted to hug you. Thank you for being honest, your children are all so beautiful just like you🇦🇺💕❤️

[@Bethlouiset]

Rhi, you really are an amazing mum. As a 17 year old who’s basically been told by her parents yeah you’ve probably got it, if you want a diagnosis you can sort that yourself, it makes my heart happy to see parents out there fighting for what they know is right for their child. Big hugs to you and Zara. Xx

[@carolinemurphy5245]

Hi Rhi . You absolutely did the right thing. My son was diagnosed about 12 years aged 5 . He’s autistic and has learning difficulties. We were in two minds weather to ‘ label’ him . Like you I’m so relieved we got him the help he needs to live as fulfilling and happy life as possible. 🤗

[@kattyrevel5910]

❤

[@emma-janenewton7390]

I'm so very glad that your fight paid off. The children are so very lucky to have you in their corner x x

[@faithhelena7850]

Hi. I have been fighting for an assessment since my daughter was 7 yrs old. She is now 16 and she was only assessed at 14 and she was, on the Autistic spectrum. I agree that if you have any concerns, you should fight for your child. She is sitting her GCSEs at the moment, which is being held at home and that was another fight I had to go through. So keep fighting for your children. I think your video will help so many people. x💕

[@sarahleagas678]

I love that you push for your children, as someone who was diagnosed at 29 although it's a relief you wish you hadn't been so hard on yourself for struggling all your life. Currently also in the process for a adhd assesment also. But you're a amazing mum ❤️

[@kayeelle3368]

Hi 👋 I am also a mom of 4 - all my children are on the pathway! You’ve no idea how much I feel you 💕 and you are 💯 right - my 11 year old daughter was the 1st to be referred she’s only just received her assessment (and it was a fight!) still awaiting results but they also spoke about The likelihood she has adhd too - it’s so nice to feel heard and not feel like they don’t believe me - my 6 year old son was referred for adhd and pda (no assessment yet!) and just waiting for official confirmation of his adhd diagnosis (was informally confirmed at qb test!) my youngest boy is 3 and was referred for asd & extremely restrictive diet from nursery and my eldest son 12 has actually Started the process last! Flagged in his first year of senior school- for hf asd and inattentive adhd and I am feeling so bad for missing the signs 🥺 he’s always had quirks but my children couldn’t be anymore different - and my perception of autism (my daughter) was completely different to how my son presents - I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for “missing” the signs… with ll he’s been dealing with lately. He’s really struggling with anxiety, and identity All 4 are on the pathway and none have received an official diagnosis yet 😫… the appointments, sen meetings awaiting multiple referrals the parenting courses the chasing up!! The ehcp lark! 😫 - &tribunal to-boot (4 different schools!- don’t ask! 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️) it’s all incredibly overwhelming- ironically I was diagnosed with adhd last year! 😂 I was referred assessed and diagnosed and started titration far quicker than any of my children! Personally I truly believe the watch and wait method can be extremely detrimental to our kids - had my daughter been assessed age 4/5 there would have been no question but now, she masks it’s become alot harder to get her the right support 🥺 - look me going on! Sorry lovely! I’m super pleased you got the outcome you needed and I just wanted to say how much I could relate to you and your tribe - your obviously incredibly strong to keep going! Its not easy but your children will benefit for years to come and will grow up with so much more self awareness and understanding of who they are, their needs and their superpowers - and you’re a super mom 🦸🏻‍♀️ 💕😘

[@alisoncolman4057]

Thank god for you, you're AMAZING and doing your children proud! Big hugs to you 💜

[@4884nat]

I’m so glad you are able to get the diagnosis for your babies. It is so hard it do, I’m am trying to get an assessment for my daughter and they are point blank refusing because the school has no evidence. The school input was a 5 question piece of paper. It’s disgusting. It’s good to know not every are has those struggles. X

[@dmcelwee11]

Well done Rhi for pushing soo hard for the assessment. U know ur children best. Zara will know be able to get all the extra helps she needs. She will thank u for this wen she's older ❤️❤️❤️

[@soniaharris8514]

Glad you finally have answers and you did the right thing fighting for the assessment xx

[@emilyrobinson1327]

Thank you so much for this. Such a brave, raw video. Has really helped our family. Keep them coming xx

[@caitlaingreenwood9450]

I know what your going through, my sister is going through it with my nephew. He HATES any change,will only eat certain foods, change in his routine will cause a meltdown and the biggest one is if he’s told no, he screams/shouts at you. Hope yours goes well 🤞🏻

[@amandaphillips6261]

Big hugs to you, so glad you fought with your instinct. From one Welsh SEN mam to another, you got this 👊 xx

[@debz2931]

Well done rhi for pushing for the assessment even though it was overwhelming for u, what a lovely mum to a lovely family, Bella, William & Zara should b so proud of u & I’m sure ur proud of them too, mums defo know best 💕take care xx

[@michellealexandracotton8836]

Well done Rhi for persisting with this for Zara, you should be so bloody proud!! Such an amazing vid, made me cry watching xx you're amazing, all of you are xx

[@pennypink-dw6vi]

You should be proud we you kept fighting for her as you'll be able to get her soo the help you are an amazing mummy

[@carolscammell3592]

You should be so proud of what you have done fighting for your daughter outcome keep fighting Rhi you are a brilliant mum to your 4 wonderful children xx

[@daniellegiedraitis5897]

Thank you for doing these. We are on a wait list it's been a long time since he was 3. We thought we were at the end of the assessment stages he's 6 now, we had the ADIR then the ADOS. Then someone came out to school I was told that was all the evidence they needed but now they have decided they want to do a Cognitive assessment. Now my 3.5 year old is on the wait list of this long journey. We can't afford to go privately and the wait list is massive

[@laurenmcevoy8225]

You should be so proud of your self Rhi, you did it. You got there. Well done!!

[@coffeeandcleaning]

I think you were crying because it was such a relief for you and all that fighting was worth it!!

[@thenerdycrone]

We had what we thought was going to be our first assessment in March with my son. In the waiting room, he was running around and took off his shoes and socks as he normally does indoors. We went into a large room with a doctor and a Nerodevelpmental specialist who did activities with my son who was into everything, whilst the doctor asked us questions. They also referred us to family services for support. At one point he actually hit the specialist which we were really embarrassed about but she said it was all part of her assessment. Family services phoned me but can't do a lot until he has a diagnosis. He now has an EHCP which the school says is very comprehensive listing all the support he needs. Recently we had a letter from the clinic saying that they were going to have a video consultation with us about their findings and that my son has been discharged. I was worried so rang the clinic but they said it might be that they have enough evidence to make a diagnosis. We now have to wait till June 13th, I spoke to some other SEN mums and they told me that they discharge the children after diagnosis, so now we have to wait. I just want closure so we can get him into the right school and the wait is agony. I am wondering if he has both ASD and ADHD because his behaviour is getting worse.

[@kattyrevel5910]

I just wanted to tell you that you're doing an amazing job with your son. I hope things are looked at and sorted swiftly but I'm sure with your love, support and perseverance they will be. I'm thinking of you at this difficult time ☺ ❤

[@thenerdycrone]

@@kattyrevel5910 Thank you, he's just turned five and got suspended this week. I just hope they don't say there is nothing wrong. But school believe he will get a diagnosis because has so many needs. We have medium DLA and I get carers allowance which helps alot. But I'm looking into getting a CAFF set up for him too. I think that's what it is called. The hope is once diagnosis is confirmed a special school place can be found for him.

[@kattyrevel5910]

That's great that he'll be able to get the best chance and a lot more support in a school that suits his needs a lot of children with extra support needs like autism just find a typical school so overwhelming my daughters coming up 18 now but she was lucky enough to get a early diagnosis and was in a special school with a class of just 5-7 pupils which helped us all amensely and now she's doing really well shes in college and has a part time job as a waitress I'm so proud of her! Nothing should be unavailable to your son if he gets the help he needs and it's also great that you're getting the extra financial support you need I'm not sure what caff is though? ☺❤

[@thenerdycrone]

@@kattyrevel5910 A CAF is an early support strategy is short for Common Assessment framework, where the family as a whole get support. A couple of other SEN mums at my school suggested asking for one, plus we were starting the process in nursery before lockdown.

[@mumof1260]

Well done Rhi 👏 thanks for being so honest with us! Its funny when your talking about your children not talking with their hands my son doesn't either and he will say how annoying it is to him when others do he says how can i listen you when your waving at me 😂 Zara Bella & William are ao lucky to have a mum who fought for them! You shouldnt have had too fight though! X

[@shaznabegum731]

Your so brave my nephew I feel like has autism but my sister doesnt see this.your daughter is very lucky to have u as her mum u are doing such as amazing job.lots of love to u

[@violetstar26]

So glad you got an outcome in the end. I would definitely be asking for that doctor to be looked at in a they may need more training way. They were willing to make little Zara’s life hard that it needed to be in years to come

[@harriethosker2916]

Well done for fighting for your lovely children! Mum always knows best! xXx

[@katieknight9325]

I think you are a brilliant mum, and should be really proud of yourself for fighting for your daughter and going with your gut instinct! You have totally done the right thing! I am in the process of the health visitor referring my daughter, even that I have had to try and push! It’s not easy! That fighting is all worth it as she will now have the right things set in place for her! 👏🏻👏🏻 Ignore some of the comments! I really don’t understand people. Why watch or even subscribe if they don’t like you talking about asd! It’s obvious your trying to help others as well! You have helped me xx

[@victoriathurston5326]

Your kids are so lucky to have a mummy like you who will fight for them. But why as parents do we need to fight for everything. I am now thinking they should do testing at an early age so they can be tested. I am still fighting for my older kids. William Bella and Zara all have a special super power and they can be whatever they want to be. Sending big hugs

[@jwb52z9]

I'm so glad you live in a country where you could get this done without going into debt for it. It can cost several thousand dollars in the US for each child you have that needs evaluating.

[@adamali8868]

That’s what makes everyone unique everyone’s different send love

[@sharonraynor9327]

I know exactly how you feel!!! My eldest son was diagnosed with autism and adhd aged 8 (now he’s 18) and have been fighting for an EHCP ever since. Why do you have to fight for everything!!! Xx

[@kayeelle3368]

Contact sendiass! Every council should have one! They’ve been amazing advocates for my daughters echp and without schools support! 2 years it took - now only trouble is getting her into her special school - they have her the offer and La said no! Back to tribunal 🙄🥺

[@sharonraynor9327]

@@kayeelle3368 ok i will contact them this week! Its a nightmare, I don’t understand how a bunch of people can make a decision without actually meeting my son in person 🤦‍♀️. X

[@e-starturner6415]

Love your video I myself was on the waiting list for my daughter for 2 years tried to find my letter to ring them to see why it’s taking so long and didn’t realise it said on the back of the letter that last year I was supposed to confirm if I still wanted on the waiting list and missed the deadline ! After much tears from me I rang them asking if she could still be on the list even though I made a mistake as things have got worse , they said they will ring me in a week but still not heard anything it’s so frustrating I really don’t feel like there’s enough support xx

[@jessbaldwin]

So glad you finally got some answers xx

[@phoebebufffay8717]

Amazing video and massive hugs to you all x

[@marthaphillips3149]

Hi Rhi, I’m not sure if you’ll see this. Going through it all with my nearly 5 year old (we are in Bristol). When you keep saying in all your videos you can get them support once diagnosed, what support is that? Could you do a video on this perhaps? I know it’s child specific but we are struggling so much with our daughter and I just don’t know where to turn cos the school are useless 😞

[@jecksamson7223]

I have been watching your i have been crying from when they told me that my son ha straits of autism and needed referral. I hope you could post a video on how or what help can they haven after being diagnosed. Thank you

[@MinimumViablePicnic]

Hi, glad you got some answers! Did they say what level of austism or is there it possible with the covid test..hope you're doing okay x

[@mrsb8824]

I'm so glad you pushed for this,but you shouldn't have to it's no good how the system works x

[@anagaunt7700]

I am concerned about my 3 year-old, was told that it takes up to 2 years to get an assessment! Could not believe it...

[@victoriathurston5326]

I was the same with my youngest 5 years old and now fighting for my 2 older kids which we feel they have autism ADHD and ODD. I have a meeting with school senco and I hoping it's the EHCP stuff

[@Ragdollcatlover]

Rhi, how do you push for the assessment? I already have two diagnosed children and I’m autistic myself. I now have a 4 year old who I strongly suspect is autistic with PDA presentation but because she’s bright and a bit ahead academically, it’s inferred that they won’t assess her. This is nonsensical because her quirks are holding her back quite significantly. My 14 year old wasn’t diagnosed until 9, they kept putting off giving the autism diagnosis which was annoying.

[@Coolgamer-ys7qt]

You've been through a grueling, emotional process where you had to push and push. So, of course you will have the emotional reaction you had. 😘 Hugs to you Rhi ❤️ Love Beki xx

[@gemmacooke453]

go mama we know our kids best xxz

[@TheStephensonGrechFamily]

it is so hard having to fight for everything. my oldest was 2.5 when he got diagnosed. my 14 year old has traits and we know something is there but 3 peads have said no.

[@sarahlouisewinwood2709]

All of your children are amazing xxx

[@kaywatson4821]

Hi rhi my 18 year old daughter is going though a autism assistant xx

[@charlms89]

What county are you in Rhi & how long did you wait for the assessment? I've been waiting since December 😩 Although been fighting years for the referral!

[@victoriathurston5326]

And more support for family's too

[@abigaillfoster8671]

When the professionals only see the masking from two years old and the other behaviours are rarely seen unless the health professional sees us literally weekly. And my daughter acts differently around men and women so hope the assessor is like the Healthy Child Practitioner.. That actually listens to me. I have actually recommended my daughters Healthy Child Practitioner. to do research into watch and read the girl with the curly hair and similar. And when the autistic people notice the autistic children and the neuro typical people don’t. Hopefully the assessmentWill be altered one date to include more female characteristics of autism

[@zoef345]

My 9 year old daughter is now being referred after her SEND teacher approaching us saying she may have it. As many emotions but like you said if you can get the help they need then go ahead. How long did it take you from start to diagnosis? Or anyone with a daughter around the same age?

[@kayleighsmoothie1893]

I had concerns since my daughter was in year 5/6 no one helped me. Then highs school come and get again they said it was not ASD. Covid hit fast forward 2 years I got a child Psychologist who my daughter worked with and she referred us to speech and language and communication whim wrote a report which mirrored the psychologists 1. Both saying she has server ASD along with other things. Please please fight for your children as a mother you know something isn’t right go with it..

[@Leah-766]

Your gut feeling was right

[@katiemariewilliams2079]

Hi, how long for waiting list to get diagnosed as my son has been on there for 6months now.

[@MummyofFourUK]

It’s different in every county / hospital trust / school district I believe x

[@victoriathurston5326]

Your crying because u know you was right your mummy instinct was right

[@lisarobinson4066]

Hope are all ok

[@jacquelinetweedy6869]

💞💞

[@meeshelle5775]

💕

[@fatimamiah-zj7by]

Are you going to complain about the doctor who did not look into your concerns?

[@MummyofFourUK]

Not sure if I’m honest.