I have been trying for over 2 years to get a diagnosis of autism for my son who has down syndrome. I am now banging my head against the brick wall with these professionals who quite clearly don't want to spend any more money on my son.

I am looking for someone to provide me with contact details of a medical person who is a specialist in autism. I am now going down the private route. It also needs to be someone experienced in tribunal work. 

Thanks in advance 

Hi FW, 

Thanks very much for your post, I’m sorry to hear about your struggle for a diagnosis for your son. Hopefully some other parents or carers will be able to recommend some contact details for professionals.

In the meantime, the Down’s Syndrome Association have some information about dual diagnosis and Autism Spectrum Disorder and some contact details which may be useful for you:http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/information/my-child/ds-asd.html  

Our guide to statementing also has a section on SEN and tribunals which may offer some useful advice and contacts:http://www.mencap.org.uk/document.asp?pageType=109&origin=pageType&id=555  

And one of our bloggers, Mandy, also has a section on going to tribunal in her blog at http://www.mencap.org.uk/page.asp?id=4404  

I hope this is a start… good luck. With very best wishes,

Rachel

Hi FW,

I have no idea if this will be helpful or not, but I have found this forum where other parents have offered their own recommendations of professionals. http://www.treehouse.org.uk/forums/autism/general-autism/1607

Obviously, these are other family carers views, and I cannot endorse their recommendations,but hope they may prove useful.

Best wishes, Lucy

Hi Fw

My daughter has DS and was diagnosed at age 4 with autism.  The medical staff in Sheffield have been very helpful.  Also I went to a study day organised jointly by the DSA and the National Autisic Society on this very subject.  One of the speakers was very knowledgable. I can't remember her name but she was a Dr and the study day was held in May 08.  Perhaps the above organisations could help you with her name?

Caroline