Autism Eval During Nap Time???

[u/Past_my_bedtime_9]

I've been on waiting lists for months to get my son evaluated and finally came up on one and was moved to the back of the line because I asked if they could move the time so that it would not take place in the middle of his nap... He just turned 2, for reference. Not a 3 or 4 year old close to dropping a nap. I have heard from multiple people in FB groups that I just need to get him evaluated during nap time or it's not going to happen. Am I crazy for not wanting my son to get evaluated when he is extremely tired/falling asleep/cranky? He is a completed different kid well rested - I just think it would cause them to consider him lower than he possibly is.

[u/FreefromTV]

It will not cause a misdiagnosis at all; it will open the doors for help, there is a hard set criteria to meet to be diagnosed as autistic, and it wont be influenced by fatigue or crankiness, whats more is the evaluation also involves a parent questionnaire where you can share your input of his general behavior. In summary his age is significant here as the earlier you start the treatment pathways that open up with a diagnosis the better the outcome. Finally children get re evaluated every three years. The level usually changes but the initial treatment at that age is the same. Allowing the time of the evaluation to extend your wait time (withholding the treatment ) is the outcome of skipping the evaluation. If something made you sign up for evaluation your childs best chance is early intervention. Your already way ahead of the game starting at 2. A neurotypical child wouldn’t pass as autistic even if he skipped his nap, and an autistic child wouldn’t pass as neurotypical or higher level even if he was well rested, in fact the best choice would be to get the evaluation. Get the help and if your worried about what was said get on a waiting list for a second opinion. But be ahead of the game by starting with the initial nap time one.

I did see you already decided to skip the evaluation and go to the back of the line, sorry i just read that; good luck either way

[u/shedsareunderrated]

My kid waited 3 and a half years for his assessment. Quite frankly, I'd have skipped my own wedding to get him to that appointment. Nothing but death or a lost limb would have held us back... Maybe not even the lost limb... 😂 There's so much demand, people are so desperate for appointments, it's such an awful wait... Now, things might not be as dire where you are, BUT that's how it is here. So no, I'd never ask to reschedule because of naptime.

[u/Rubicles]

I’d look at it this way: better to be evaluated as lower support needs than he really is than to delay evaluation (and, crucially) treatment. I don’t see any harm to being approved for services you may not need. After diagnosis, he’ll be looked at by therapists to assess what his specific needs and goals should be. they’re going to spend way more time with the kid than the person doing the diagnosis.

[u/DonutChickenBurg]

Asking that it not be during nap time is a totally reasonable request, especially for such a young kid. I don't get why they would send you to the back of the line. That is the unreasonable part, especially working with young children.

[u/FreefromTV → u/DonutChickenBurg]

She was likely sent to the back of the line because the waitlist is very long parents are desperate for a spot, an answer and a treatment pathway although its not an unreasonable request, she essentially declined the spot so her wait starts over . I remember when i was on the list the original date was November , the doctor got a cancellation and started making calls i got a July spot because i was the first person who picked up the phone. The immense changes that resulted put us in a better spot by pre-school age he was able to attend regular pre school no issues

[u/DonutChickenBurg → u/FreefromTV]

I understand the waitlist is long. I understand parents are desperate. I am in this sub because my son is autistic, and was diagnosed a year ago when he was 2.

I just got the call for him to be seen at the developmental clinic at the children's hospital here. They are the public option for autism assessments, among other things, so the waitlist is long. Similar to OP, we were given a time during nap, or a morning appt. And, having been on many waitlists with them, they work with you to find a time that works, even if it means you wait longer. I don't think that's unreasonable. You don't just give up your spot and start the wait over because you had the bad luck to get a spot during the afternoon.

I don't think I would have made the same decision as OP, and fortunately, I haven't had to because the clinic understands.

EDIT: I read your other comment, and you made a good point. I also saw that someone else waited over 3 years, which is wild. Also, evaluators understand if your kid is off because of nap time or whatever. I still think it sucks that you only get one shot or you're at the back of the line, but I also think I may have a skewed perception of how long the waitlists can be in other places.

[u/FreefromTV → u/DonutChickenBurg]

In op’s case and as yours and as all our many parents who are waiting for answers; op had to wait (was not given the option to get the later time for a couple days out) i think its good that you had a clinic that worked with you , i know if i picked up the phone when i got the call and asked can they give me a spot that isnt in the middle of a much planned vacation; i would have waited till December, there are people flying across the country to be seen. Whats more. Your particular experience is not the bottom line,

The op asking “am i crazy for asking for the evaluation to be done outside of nap time when the alternative is to be put in the back of the line “ this is her situation you can split this situation into two variables , A) was asking for a non nap time crazy -no B) was ultimately being relisted as a consequence of rescheduling which is unique to this particular parent wherever she may be located and the clinic/private doctors demands from other families

The positive outcome in this , is another mom who is fully aware of the importance of timely intervention who is also waiting whose childs nap time may or may not have fallen into this opening took the spot In summary , your story and what your clinic is willing to do is great

The decision to go in the back of the line over a nap time evaluation is another thing

I think you understand that there are parents waiting for an evaluation but may not understand how individual doctors and clinics may run their spot and hold times. The OP is seeking support on a very sensitive subject

See the posts “waiting for an answer” , “tired of the lists”, “enrolled in every clinic for an answer”

She first went to facebook and received confirmation of the best choice (not the one to make) now on here hoping for someone to agree? Her post would be better suited on a “AITA” she has already decided

[u/with_brave_wings → u/FreefromTV]

Bravo to your comments! OP wants her kid to "pass" the evaluation and isn't thinking of the big picture.

Love that you pointed out that another mom will get her kids spot now!

[u/FreefromTV → u/with_brave_wings]

Thank you, I really try to be super positive and encouraging in all my posts but for some reason Her particular post struck me personally and I try not to do that. I recognize that this is not my child and I do not know what struggles that the OPP may be going through (PPD, single mom, neuro divergent herself) I think because I was the mom who got the call because someone else canceled , which ultimately saved our family and I know that sounds dramatic that I had a more passionate and personal response. And I also see another commenter waited three years and I know, depending on where you are located your wait can be long and by the time you get the evaluation, the-treatment and outcome different for you. I truly wish though deep down that her child and all her children get timely and effective help, i can have full conversations with my toddler on a toddler level im grateful im so grateful