DS3 is 3yo and in nursery/preschool 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. He starts reception in September.
I was told by key worker that he seemed to have issues with his balance/coordination and she would like to have him seen by HV. I didn't really think he showed any huge issues for his age (but am willing to agree that because DS2 has problems in these areas, DS3 may just seem better by comparison IYSWIM), so agreed to have him seen. I specifically asked if there were any other concerns, and she said no.
When HV came to house, she listed off a number of things that she was told by school were concerns:
- balance/coordination
- has to have things in a particular order/way
- doesn't play with the other children
- gets very upset if routine not followed
- gets very upset if key worker not present
and she mentioned that he had seen the speech therapist a few times.
So I calmly told her that, like the other children, he had the initial assessment by the speech therapist, and I was told he had no speech problems. His speech is very very good, and he not only is quite chatty but is very clear. So I stated that as I hadn't given permission for him to see the speech therapist for follow up and I hadn't been advised of any follow up visits, it shouldn't be happening. (Because it's obviously a waste of time. Time that could be used for those children that DO need more support!)
The school also ONLY mentioned the balance/coordination. I've not witnessed or been told about ANY of the other things. (sounds like a checklist for ASD, doesn't it? ) Now they do know that DS2 has dx of ASD/ADHD, so I'm wondering if they are seeing things that aren't there? Or if they've neglected to tell me these things? Or did they give the wrong child's info to the HV?
I asked his key worker about this, and pointed out that NONE of that other behaviour has been mentioned and she said (rather weakly) "well, he does seem happier when I'm there." I didn't bother to point out that since day 1, I have never seen him get upset over where she is, and again it has never been mentioned to me. (he actually seems to have gravitated towards a particular worker, but it's not his key worker, it's another teacher in the class)
I then asked her if it was possible that the wrong child's info was given to the HV as to the best of my knowledge, he was not seeing the speech therapist. She said "no he's not, but you know sometimes things get muddled." Muddled?? I told her that as adults in charge I expect them to be able to give the correct information on a child to the HV when asking for that child to be assessed. Otherwise it can have an effect on the assessment, if HV is working off incorrect information to begin with. She had no answer to that. She also couldn't really say that he did or didn't display those behaviours. For heaven's sake, how is that helpful??
Very very frustrating. I think now I'm going to have to speak to the manager/director (whatever appropriate title).
I hate to stir up trouble,but at the same time, I think it's important that this type of thing is brought to their attention. Or am I being too critical?