Disagreeing with the SENCO

[adoptmama]

He thinks ADD. I do not and this is supported by previous interventions with psychologists. I think Sensory issues or RAD hangovers. Any suggestions for good reading material on the latter to point him in the direction of. And in terms of educational strategies, does it really matter who is right? I don't want label of ADD applied when I am sure it is not correct.

A SENCO, as far as I am aware is not qualified to make such a diagnosis. Is your child being referred to the Ed. Psych, as they are qualified to diagnose not him! The SENCO should be arranging this, and then acting on their recommendations.

A SENCO is not qualified to diagnose.
He should be working with you to secure the best education for your child.
Have you seen the Ed Psych? Do you have Team Around The Child meetings (TAC)
I have had many battles with our SENCO but I hope we are beginning to both work off the same page.

Am I teaching you to suck eggs by suggesting the books by Louise Bomber? 'Inside I'm hurting' and 'what about me?' Very good, practical teacher approach to how children with attachment issues present at school.

I'm the opposite - have a DS in whom everyone is very keen to diagnose attachment issues, but who I think also/actually has ASD! Key point is that the SENCO should not be making a diagnosis of anything, they can suggest and refer but surely you need to see CAMHS or similar for a diagnosis?

Best of luck. How old is DS and do you want to say a bit more about the issues?

As the others have said SENCO has no qualifications to diagnose.

However "sensory issues" are not a diagnosis per se but are something that goes along with a lot of other types of difficulties, and are common in children who have a slight (or more than slight) delay in other areas - they are one of the things that children who struggle may do more like a younger child.