How I got my 2 year old his Autism Diagnosis on the NHS in 6 Months

How We Got Our Two-Year-Old Diagnosed With Autism Within Six MonthsIn Episode 3 of Beyond All Borders, Kelly Halls shares her son Forrest's autism journey, from the first developmental concerns to receiving his diagnosis at two and a half years old.Kelly talks about missed milestones, limited eye contact, speech delays, the autism research rabbit hole, nursery concerns and the emotional reality of knowing something was different while desperately wanting to be wrong.She explains how she navigated health visitors, NHS services, Right to Choose and the assessment process, including why she kept pushing when she felt valuable time was being lost.The episode also covers DLA, speech and language, hearing and vision assessments, genetic testing, Section 23 and why documenting everything became so important when preparing for Forrest's future education.This is our family's experience. Autism assessment pathways and waiting times vary across England.In This Episode• Early developmental concerns and missed milestones• Limited eye contact and response to name• The autism research "rabbit hole"• Health visitor and nursery involvement• Right to Choose and pushing to join the waiting list• Speech, hearing and vision assessments• Applying for DLA before diagnosis• Forrest's autism assessment and diagnosis• The emotional impact of diagnosis• Whole genome sequencing and genetic testing• Section 23 and SEND support• Preparing for EHCP and specialist educationTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Our Autism Journey09:10 - The Emotional Rollercoaster of Diagnosis15:44 - The Impact of Diagnosis on Family Life24:23 - Looking Ahead: Education and SupportUseful InformationDLA: A child does not necessarily need an autism diagnosis to apply for Disability Living Allowance. Eligibility is based on their additional care and/or mobility needs compared with another child of the same age. DLA is not means-tested.Section 23: Under the Children and Families Act 2014, certain NHS health bodies have a duty to notify the local authority when they believe a child under compulsory school age has, or probably has, SEN or a disability. A Section 23 notification is not an EHCP application and does not automatically result in an EHCP.Coming NextNext, I'll share our EHCP and specialist SEN placement journey, including refusal, mediation, Tribunal, educational psychology and ultimately securing the specialist provision we wanted for Forrest. I won't be naming his school.Find Us🌐 Journawell: https://journawell.com🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/journawell-beyond-all-borders/id6794880683?l=en-GB▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Journawell-beyondallborders📱 TikTok: @kellyjacehallshttps://www.tiktok.com/@kellyjacehalls📸 Instagram: @journawellhttps://www.instagram.com/journawell/💙 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journawellBecause no one should have to navigate life alone.