Pressure of aspergers diagnosis

Greetings to all
I am mother to a six years old boy, who was diagnosed age 4 3/4 years with a severe mixed receptive expressive language disorder. Unfortunately he could not attend the recommended language school as places were limited. (2 spots yet 40 referrals!). My current problem now is that the school want me to have him assessed for Asperger's syndrome, based upon what mostly seems to be behavioural problems. I am sure his problems can be explained by his language disorder and that he meets few of the criteria for diagnosis of ASD. However, the school seem keen for a new diagnosis, also adding they receive increased funding for ASD kids. Does anyone have any wisdom or links regarding differentiating between a sever language disorder versus ASD? Kind regards.
Vicki

vicki, I suspect that the school believes it is doing this for positive reasons. The fact that they mentioned funding fr ASD children indicates this. In their view, they want your child to get the diagnosis so that they can then offer support. I am doubtful that MERLD is covered. It is an important thing though - i.e. to get a diagnosis. There are many here who are undiagnosed, but I believe could easily be diagnosed if they wished to pursue it.

You should investigate what benefits actually exists from the school for ASD kids. If they won't bring much benefit for your child, then there might not be much use in getting the official ASD diagnosis. I exhibit all traits of Asperger's Syndrome, but my diagnosis is OCD. THis alone has ensured I got the right help.

Kevin

Hello Kevin
I appreciate your reply and thoughts. I remain confused and troubled about the need for diagnosis, when in reality I am not confident that it will effect a magical form of intervention. I am concerned about the motives for the school wanting an ASD diagnosis, given they will receive extra funding. I should declare that as a mother I do not want such a diagnosis, I fear issues down the track with labelling which may excuse his educators somewhat. I suppose I believe that there is greater hope with the diagnosis of language disorder versus ASD. Maybe I am mistaken. I am pursuing assessment for ASD through speech pathologist and psychologist next month, but I have sourced them myself, to eliminate my concerns of bias. Again thanks for your reply.
Vicki

Vivki, I had previously interpreted from your post that the school already had secured funding for dealing with ASD kids (i.e. in general), and not that they would get extra funding if they had to teach a newly-diagnosed ASD kid. So, I think you're right to go 'privately', as that ensures no bias, as you've mentioned.