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Considering child psychologist -any experience?

8 replies

tomatosaucewitheverything · 15/10/2015 09:51

I need help/advice for my 6 year olds tantrums. These aren't a new thing and I kept telling myself they were a 'phase' but I feel now at 6 I need more help!
Anything can kick her off, homework is especially a problem. The weekends feel exhausting and my DH and I just don't know what to do.

I'm considering a child psychologist but wanted to ask if anyone has had any success with one?
Thanks...

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Brookville · 20/10/2015 19:47

Hi there, sorry to hear you are stressed. We have similar angst in my house. Have you read 'The Explosive Child' by Ross Greene? Or there's '10 Days to a Less Defiant Child' both available from Amazon. You might find something in either book to help you before seeing a specialist (or whilst on waiting list).

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snottybeammeup · 20/10/2015 20:07

Hi

Im in the same position with DD ages 5.10 so I know where you are. It is soul destroying. I finally caved after having taken her to a SALT, Dr, Health Visitor and SENCO in school. Nobody seemed to know what was going on aside of a language delay, she is defiant, she has a low concentration span, e.t.c Yes I know as I live with this but what is her condition??

She has finally been diagnosed by a psychiatrist as ADHD. ADHD in girls is hugely under diagnosed however. . .it is the only child mental health disorder that is officially understood universally as the medication works a treat. We will be putting DD on medication soon and now see everything in a cleaner, fresher and happier light.

Im not saying your DD has this condition but I would suggest you see a medical doctor as it maybe more than a psychological issue.

and

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tomatosaucewitheverything · 20/10/2015 21:48

Thank you both for suggestions, I have 10 days to less defiant child but will get the explosive child too.
It is so upsetting as she's just so angry towards me and I really don't understand why?? I'm not a 'shouty' mum and we do lots with her and show her lots of love so I just don't get it ??
The more I read, the more I think it's ODD which I know in its own right is controversial but she fits all the criteria.
Will read explosive child and see what that suggests and I'm waiting an appointment with a psychologist as I feel I'm at my wits end....thanks

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Brookville · 20/10/2015 23:39

tomatosauce I also wanted to link to this book which was recommended by a friend and has UTTERLY changed her family dynamics. It's a scary one though, cutting out all sorts of additives in foods. I haven't read my copy yet but there is the suggestion that it can remove some of the symptoms of ADHD. She also has a website If I feel things are getting worse despite all my efforts, I may well have to go down this route next summer 2016 whilst they are not at school.

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Brookville · 20/10/2015 23:39

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Brookville · 20/10/2015 23:44

By the way, how did you both find your psychologists? I have spent ages waiting for paediatric or SALT referrals, waiting for appointments for months on end, practitioners going off sick etc and now we are apparently on the 'social / emotional pathway' whatever that means, waiting for a ADD diagnosis of some sort although there might not be one and the wait can be a year.
I don't really mind whether there is a diagnosis or not; I just want to reduce his violence towards siblings, friends and parents which has been going on 3+ years (he's only 5) before he becomes a real physical threat to everyone. Nobody - NOBODY - seems to have any advice for me.

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tomatosaucewitheverything · 21/10/2015 14:46

Brookville sending you ??
To be honest I've gone straight to private. My DD's have had health issues in past and I've waited months for appointments on NHS and then just been bounced around. It's getting me so down I need some answers so I'm really hoping I might get some by going direct...who knows but fingers crossed!
Thanks for links I will look at that book too.

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tomatosaucewitheverything · 21/10/2015 18:56

Sorry Brookville I was sending you flowers but I've just realised it came up as ??? Sorry!