bigmouthstrikesagain
I stepped away from the thread as it was becoming very adversarial and I wasn't putting my opinions across in the way I wanted to and usually can. I do think it's sad though that anyone who has an opinion which ever suggests something against the tide of MN opinion is called arrogant for daring to have it!
I'm unaffected by government spending having worked in independent schools or non-mainstream schools most of my career. In fact, what made me most frustrated were the suggestions that I don't believe some children deserve a great education or are badly behaved through their own choice or are too much trouble to bother with.
It is very hard for me to run an inclusive yet expensive independent school. There's a lot of NIMBY-ism from parents who expect fees to buy academic achievement and keep their children away from more demanding children. My job isn't any harder than state schools who have very limited budgets and other issues to contend with but I could have chosen to simply say 'no' to these children and traded beliefs for an easier life.
"I have to take issue with Viva stating that due to years of experience and Qualifications she is able to question a Paediatricians diagnosis of ASD"
Surely these are the only two things which count when questioning another's decision?
"is it only Autism that you question or do you have a second opinion on all diagnoses that may require intervention at school?"
Predominantly yes. That isn't simply because I've got it in for people with ASD though. As a spectrum and umbrella term, it encompasses so much that many (most?) AEN children are autistic and therefore are it's likely I'll come across them.
I read in extra detail any information about students with dyslexia. It was a focus of mine in my SENCO role and have questioned other's opinions about children before.
NotReallyArsed
How are you more qualified than a paediatrician, ed psych, clinical psych, SALT and various other people
Being a SALT (MSc Speech and Language Therapy), I'd say I'm as qualified as one of those you mention whose opinion you hold in such high esteem.
I have never asked a parent or child to justify their diagnosis.
Children don't know themselves better than teachers (especially in primary) as they are children and can be confused and vulnerable, NT or not.
I have a lot (not a little) power but have never wanted to turn anyone's life upside down.
I cannot overturn a diagnosis but you misunderstand what it means at an independent school. A diagnosis means nothing. You get no extra funding, no special treatment beyond others, nothing. Every child has varying behavioural expectations and is judged on their achievement relative to their abilities. An ASD DX may give us a starting point to work from but not more. We make our own opinions based on our knowledge and first hand observations of the child (taking notice of parents and others suggestions) and I think we are all the better for it.
In a similar way, teachers hold handover meetings for 99% of a cohort 2 weeks into a new academic year. Not only does this give the new teacher time to note any relevant questions but it also avoids preformed ideas; it allows the teacher to view things from a fresh pair of eyes and without bias.
Corbyn
Your sarcasm's gone way over my head.
I don't think ASD and poor parenting are synonymous nor that the latter causes the former (although this is being investigated with regard to de novo mutations) but I absolutely believe I've met a few children who didn't have ASD but had diagnoses stating they did.