New here and need a bit of advice.

[cakemom]

Hi all I am new to the board, have been lurking for a few weeks trying to find out some info. Sorry if very long

DS started school last year, birthday 31 August, when he had just turned 4. At the parents evening 6 weeks into Class R, they noted that he had some problems and said we should see the SENCO. Refereed DS to a paediatrician saw them and they said could be his age or could have a problem, since then seen the paediatrician a year later on his 5 birthday, said probably ADHD. Need a reassessment from school.

DS has started year 1, he has made no progress in school, cannot read, write his name, or even identify the 9 sight words he has had for a year. I have spent large amounts of time everyday with different ideas but nothing works. Seems to have a few sensory, emotional issues along with most of the ADHD symptoms.

DS new class 1 teacher is lovely and supportive. Just had a meeting with class teacher and Senco and he is worse than I thought, can't sit still at all, very emotional, extremely petrified of reading or anything that involves writing, breaks down in class at the mere thought of having to do work.

He was supposed to have a follow up paediatrician appointment after 6 weeks of school, still haven't received the appointment, I phoned and they fobbed me off saying that they are full, and probably only December. Is there a way to get an appointment sooner?

Also the school has been great. They want to push for a statement for DS as they feel DS needs 1:1, as he is taking up all the resource in the class. The headmaster has paid for and educational psychologist to come out and see DS. The Head phoned today to confirm the appointment for the 8th and also informed me they will have a 1:1 for him on a Monday when school starts again. What should I expect from the EP?

Also I am assuming the can't do the statement process with a diagnosis?

Thanks any advise would be great.

[purplemurple]

Someone will be along soon with more knowledge than me but, you can apply for a statement without a dx, it is on a needs basis.

Your school sound fab :)

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Wow at your school. Phone the NHS every day for a cancellation. You can get a statement without dx, but dx helps.

[cakemom]

Thanks all, great to know we can go ahead without waiting for the NHS to diagnose. I am extremly lucky to have landed with such an amazing school.

At least I know only have to fight for the statement and not the school too. The school actually have initiated most things, feel like a bad mom for not noticing the signs earlier, but I think that I am just used to dealing with him as he has been difficult from birth.

I will ask for a statutory assesment, thanks that is a great idea.

[Ben10WasTheSpawnNowWeLoveLego]

Don't feel bad. I also had no idea until he started school despite him being in day nursery full time since 18 months. You were probably too busy parenting him . We all understand that here.

I am very impressed with your school too :)

Definitely apply for DLA. There will be so much extra that you do that you don't even realise. I certainly didn't. This will help you along the way

[madwomanintheattic]

make sure you include the ep report in your request for stat assessment - as well as the ieps your son will have had at school for the last year (if he has been occupying their time etc, he should have been cat 'school action' or 'achool action plus' as other profs were involved. ask them for copies of their ieps to attach to your request - which should clearly state he has made no improvements despite the interventions given.

school can also start SA process btw. it is often easier if they do, but not essential.