Fundraising to get help for four-year-old Emalee

Emalee with mum Stephanie Ewing Brown. Picture: Fife Photo Agency

Stephanie Ewing Brown wants to make sure that her daughter Emalee gets the right support before starting school.

But despite showing a number of signs consistent with autism, Emalee hasn’t been diagnosed with it.

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Emalee has a number of other issues, and Stephanie says that the right diagnosis will ensure she can start school with the right help in place.

Stephanie said: “She has focal epilepsy, paramoxyl events and development delay.

“But the nursery raised concerns that she didn’t engage with the other kids. She also hides in her wardrobe, and if you try and open the door she’ll have a meltdown because it’s her safe space.”

“I was referred to a pediatrician who didn’t feel like Emalee has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s harder to diagnose in girls than it is with boys. There are ASD traits she has; walking on her toes, spinning round in circles, and pacing back and forth.”

After Emalee was deferred from starting school for a year, Stephanie feels time is running out to get the right help.

She said: “We want the right diagnosis because otherwise she’ll not get the support when she does go to school.

“I’ve contacted Scottish Autism and they said that they could do a diagnosis process which would cost £2168.

“With all her traits they’re saying it sounds like ASD.

“I’ve been fighting for it through the NHS but I’m told it can take upto three years.

“With autism, if you catch it early she could lead a normal life, and that’s all we want as parents.

Charlene Tait, deputy CEO at Scottish Autism said: “As Scotland’s leading autism charity, we are clear that an autism diagnosis and access to quality services and support, that organisations such as ours can provide, should be available locally to all individuals and their families. It is unacceptable that it can take several months, sometimes years for an autism diagnosis for children and adults. This can add to stress and anxiety for both the individual and their family.”

The campaign page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stephanie-ewing-brown