From the School Nurse

Diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder in older children and teenagers

Why some children get a late diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are diagnosed in early childhood but for others, it might not be until they’re at primary school or even secondary school that the question of ASD comes up. During these years, social and behavioural differences can become more obvious as children respond to the social and educational challenges of school.

How autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed in older children and teenagers

There’s no single test for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and teenagers. Instead, diagnosis is based on:

• watching how your child plays and interacts with others (where your child’s development is now)
• interviewing you
• reviewing your child’s developmental history (how your child has developed in the past).

Diagnosis usually involves a multidisciplinary assessment of your child – this is when several different specialists and professionals test and assess your child. 

Talking with your child about an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis

If your child is in the process of being diagnosed or has a new autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, you might worry about what and how much to tell them. Your child will probably have questions about what’s going on. Their questions can guide what you tell them – just answer them as honestly as you can, at a level they’ll understand.

Older children and teenagers often realise they’re different in some ways from other children their age, so don’t be afraid to talk to them about this. You can focus on your child’s strengths – for example, that they have an excellent memory, is good with numbers or is very kind to animals – as well as the things that they find challenging – such as making friends.

All children are different and will react differently to being diagnosed. Your child might feel relieved that they have a diagnosis. Or your child might need time to come to terms with the new information. 

Some older children and teenagers might find it difficult to adjust to having a diagnosis. Children who were diagnosed when they were younger have grown up with their diagnosis as part of who they are. But an older child can feel confused about who they are now. 

Talking with other people 

Talking about your child's diagnosis with other people might feel strange or hard at first. You might wonder who to tell and what to say. These decisions are up to you – but getting things out in the open can really help you and your child. 

When you start talking about your child’s disability, who you talk to, and what you say – it’s all up to you.

When:  It’s OK to give yourself time to come to terms with the diagnosis – people don’t need to know straight away if you don’t feel like telling them. And even when you do start talking to people about it, you can set the pace. For example, if you’re finding it difficult to talk to someone about your child’s disability, it’s OK to say, ‘I’d rather talk about this later’.

Who: You’ll need to talk to people about your child’s disability at some stage. For example, your child’s carers and teachers need to know so they can work out how best to help your child. And your family and close friends will probably want to do what they can to help you. But when it comes to other people, you might decide who to tell based on how close you are to them and how supportive you think they’ll be.

What:  You don’t have to give details about your child’s disability to everyone. Just share as much information as you feel comfortable with. For example, if it’s someone you’re not likely to see more than a couple of times, you might choose to be polite and just give them some basic information.

Reference: raisingchildren.net.au