Does DC need a therapist?

[PoutIo]

Have one DC aged 6 and whom we suspect to be neurodivergent, the school are considering a referral. He masks at school and elsewhere but things are much more emotional at home.

Until now we have been managing it but a couple of weeks ago, he threatened to hurt himself when we told him to get off his Nintendo switch. Yesterday his friends came over and he didn't join in at some point (they were playing with his remote controlled cars but there weren't enough for everyone) - and instead started to scratch a stick up and down his arms saying he will hurt himself.

Is this him crossing a red line when we need to get him to see a therapist? We've been managing it till now but am scared that this is different. If anyone has sent their child to a therapist, when did you know? It would be really expensive and we don't have much money but could just about manage it. Do therapists really help even such a young child?

Yes. He's self harming. Go see the GP, and have a conversation with school. He needs a CAMHS referral.

If you want to go private instead, be very careful who you see. You need someone who is appropriately trained to work with children. The ACP is a very good place to start looking. These are people who have trained to work with children to a doctorate level, registered with a professional body, receive appropriate supervision themselves and are employed within the NHS
https://childpsychotherapy.org.uk/home-1