So frustrated with trying to get DX for DS (aspie)

[SammyK]

I have gone full circle in a year.

I did the ipsea letter to the LEA requesting an assessment and was refused as DS was 'coping' he WAS NOT coping and his teacher agreed with me (TBH I think he tires her out - luckily it's a very small class ATM).

Anyway I decided to go via the GP, asked to be referred on to a Paed on the multi agency autism panel (GP hadn't even heard of this), and went to that, had a few assessment appointments and he verbally agreed that DS is on the spectrum, most likely aspergers, which we already know, he then said that next stage of the assessment was with the EdPysch!! Argh. I was obviously visibly disappointed so I explained he had read some notes on DS in the past without even clapping eyeson him and had decided he could cope , paed explained it was EdPysch would gather evidence next and then it would go to panel for DX.

I am so frustrated. DS starts full time school in Septemer and is going to be in a full class "scared of the children", crying, scared of the toilets, crying at every transition point.... .

What can I do???
No money but can I go private, and if I did would LEA just ignore the DX??
I am so fed up.
DS ran out into a main road in protest on the way to nursery last term, he is only 4.

Why is it SO hard to get help for him?

He has SALT at school and a visual timetable. Teacher is supportive and on my sideand wavelength but there is only so much she can do, and as the class grows in size he will get less help / support / attention. There have also been bullying issues.

[wasuup3000]

The EP has to see your child after the Paed has requested this. Then all the reports of those that have seen your son including yours and his teachers will be discussed at a panel meeting. Then they will decide on a diagnosis or wait ask for other reports, I know it is not easy but you will get there.

[SammyK]

It's so frustrating isn't it. I know LEA resources and budgets are tight but how can an EdPsych who is after all human, refuse to see how these children need this help putting in place.?!

DS' nursery teacher is going to provide EdPysch with video evidence of DS to show how extremely upset he gets as she says it obviously isn't being conveyed in writing.

wasuup3000 - that is what paediatrician said, I am sceptical as EdPsych has put DS on a shelf before, refused to assess, made decisions without clapping eyes on him, etc. Feel like I am up against a brick wall but it is heartening to hear you say I will get there.

[amber32002]

I wonder if IPSEA, the charity, could help focus their minds a bit?

[wasuup3000]

You will its not up to the EP alone and you have loads of support from the teacher who sees him on a regular basis which counts more than a short one off observation from an EP. Also EP's get shuffled around a lot so you never know you may have a new decent EP this time. The Paed's and Panel team will also know which EP's they can trust to be straightforward and which ones are not.

[SammyK]

In what way amber? I used their template letter last year to send to the LEA, but not sure what else they can offer??

Wasuup do you work in this area? You seem to know more than most that's all hope you don't mind me asking. I just hope they get there arses in gear. As it is DS is associating school with upset, and once this has become entrenched I fear that will be that. I am so keen to get him some support for Sept but it's looking less and less likely.

DS is back to school tomorrow after easter break so am going to go see HT and see if they have a visit date from Edpsych yet.

[wasuup3000]

No but I am in the same position as you are right now, so I just rang up to ask the Paed questions a couple of weeks ago and got the answers. We had an awful EP for another of my children fortunately he has no left the area that covers my childrens schools but unfortunately for the other area got promoted to the position of Area EP. However he is known by most Parents and Professionals to be useless so hopefully he can't do too much harm now.

[amber32002]

SammyK, I rang them when we were really stuck for ideas with ds, and their helpline was great. It was a source of support as well as information. Worth a try, to see if they know a way you can encourage people to act responsibly. They have a duty of care to your child, and that means they have a legal duty to act in the right timescales.

[SammyK]

Thanks for your replies you 3, they have really helped.

Having not met Edpsych yet I cant judge, he may be ridiculously overworked or he may just not give a toss / be crap at his job. That remains to be seen I guess.

My paed secretary has been helpful in the past too.

I will ring IPSEA, and see what they say.