We received the report from Dr Irani this morning.

Here's part of the report (important part) - the report is written in a conversational manner directed to Jeremy and me:

Developmental assessment

Alexander's development was assessed using Schedule of Growing Skills II, which is a developmental screening test for children up to five years of age. Observing Alexander, I noted his mannerisms of briefly hand flapping, frequent teeth grinding and frequently moving his fingers in front of his eyes. I noted screaming, inappropriate laughter in addition to his attempts to initiate joint attention with yourselves, briefly sharing enjoyment and demonstrating closeness to you. Alexander's cooperation for a formal developmental assessment was limited today, but he did eventually participate with most tasks, especially when you administered them under instruction. Hence, it is possible that Alexander's developmental scores are an under-estimate of his true potential.

Note from mummy: After the meeting with Dr Irani on 16th April, Alex's teeth grinding has been minimal and hand flapping is virtually none but occasional lapse. However, moving his fingers in front of his eyes is still there.

Summary

Alexander is a delightful boy with delayed developmental skills, and significantly delayed expressive language and visual perceptual skills. He demonstrates a developmental profile characterised by impaired social communication and social interaction skills with some unusual repetitive behaviours and mannerisms.
Alexander's difficulties can best be understood as being similar to those of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. On a positive note, there has been recent rapid progress noted at the nursery. Alexander offers some good social eye contact and generally comes as a happy child who responds well to adult direction especially from you.

Discussion

We discussed Alexander's developmental profile and his strengths and difficulties. We agreed that his development would be assessed in greater detail during the course of the playgroup assessments at the End of Assessment Care Plan meeting. I have suggested Alexander has a hearing and vision assessment and also referral to Occupational Therapy Service for his visual perceptual difficulties. I have recommended some baseline medical investigation (blood tests).

End of report

I find that the report was true at the time and as noted in the summary, recent rapid development will take into consideration. Our End of Assessment Care Plan meeting is on 14 May and two of his carers from the nursery will attend the meeting. I feel very fortunate that there are many people willing to help Alex and he certainly is a likeable child.