Going to GP asking for assessment - do I take DS?

[mrsbaffled]

I spoke to DS1's class teacher last week about getting an assessment for dyspraxia added to his forthcoming dyslexia assessment. She was happy to request it, but has now come back to me saying I need to get it arranged through the GP instead. I am happy to do this, but do I take DS1 with me, or just go without him...?

Thanks in advance x

[IndigoBell]

I wouldn't take DS. The GP doesn't do anything besides refer onwards, so they don't need to see DS.

But do take a written list of all your concerns....

Do you want a referral to an OT or a pead? Dyspraxia can be tricky to get diagnosed.....

[mrsbaffled]

I don't know - what do they do differently? OT vs Paed?

[IndigoBell]

I think you want to be seen by both.

The OT will be able to offer you (a very limited amount of) help.

Not sure what the paed can do (besides write letters), or who actually is qualified to dx.......

[mrsbaffled]

Hmm - yes I think I prob need to see both. Obviously I would like to see whoever can give dx, but would like things to help (or at least give advice so I can get hold of anything I need).....

Thanks for your advice x

[SuburbanDream]

I wouldn't take DC either, only because in my case I would end up forgetting all the important things I wanted to ask as I'd be spending all my time trying to stop him fiddling with stuff in the GP's room! Plus, my DS is very self-concious about people talking about him so he'd get upset.

[mrsbaffled]

Yes, I think DS would get upset too. I think he would feel like a failure if I started to reel off all the concerns I have in front of him. I suppose i wanted to know if the GP would do anything (like look at his balance)....

[IndigoBell]

No - the GP probably won't do anything..... Especially since school sees the same issues that you do.....

The GP probably won't even know anything at all about dyspraxia..........

I think what I actually did was brought my DS, but left him in the waiting room, so that if the GP had wanted to see him she could have. But she never even asked to..............

[drivemecrazy63]

I took ds but he sat outside with dad as you dont want them to hear all that negative stuff do you , and she did ask to speak to him just for the records to say she had but she was tactful and asked him, did he not like school? bet she wished she hadnt asked that one as ds then realed off all the reasons why he hated it everyone was mean to him ect ect

[mrsbaffled]

Yes, that's a good idea having him outside with dad. Could be tricky to find a time that works when my nice GP (as opposed to any old doctor from the surgery) and DH are both around (he's mega busy at the moment :( ) !

[yodelayheehoo]

I managed to talk to our GP on the phone so didn't even have to visit the surgery. GP referred to DD to CAMHS for suspected ASD, didn't ask to see her.