"Autism Diagnosis"

My son is under 2 years old and we attended an appointment at Eastwood Health Centre with a paediatric nurse. I thought this assessment was due to the fact he wasn't walking or speaking much. The nurse asked various questions then sat with him for around 10 minutes, in one of the 'tests' a balloon was blown up and let go - my little boy got such a fright and started crying. Which I think would be a normal reaction for most children and adults. This was I suppose to test if he was sensitive to noise (which he is not). This, along with a 10 minute assessment, apparently led the nurse to believe he has autism. In fact the words to myself and my husband were "You are not going to like what I have to say but your little boy is autistic, I have xx years experience and he is definitely 100% is autistic, but don't worry Bill Gates is too".

Then went on to refer to another child that had previously been seen and said they weren't sure if that child is, but he (my son) definitely is. We were then given some leaflets and put on the waitlist to see a paediatrician and for further assessment. I was sitting in tears and there was absolutely no empathy whatsoever, didn't even acknowledge that I was upset. Firstly how can someone say we are not going to like what they have to say - how do they know how we will react? Secondly what kind of way is that to speak anyone let alone parents. Thirdly how can someone base a diagnosis on a 10 minute assessment, and finally to speak about another patient and compare my child if completely unacceptable. I found the appointment so difficult and upsetting but after speaking to my health visitor and nursery I now know that there is lots of assessments which need to be done before a diagnosis can actually happen. I just find my child was treated very unfairly to top it off he was exhausted from nursery which did not help.

The nursery was also spoken to, who seemed very surprised by the findings. Today I have received the report and saying things that the nursery did not say so will take up with them tomorrow as I want the report amended to be a true reflection of the situation.

I am not saying my son is not autistic, he maybe but that needs a lot more tests not just someone telling me he is after 10 minutes.

I cannot believe that someone with so much experience can have no empathy and seems to have lack of understanding in dealing with parents. I am making a formal complaint about this as I do not want any parents to experience what myself and my husband did yesterday.