Who do I speak to about behavior concerns with my DS aged nearly 5yr?

[topsi]

Do I contact the HV or GP?
What is the likely hood of getting some sort of assessment on the NHS?

Hi I think you should try your GP first. Your Doc will see him/her and if concerned would refer you to a health visitor or a children development centre. Hope this helps.

I went to my GP who, with the school's permission, referred him to the community paediatrician, who has now referred him to the appropriate professionals.

I haven't paid anything other than bus fares for all of this.

I hope you get the help that you are looking for.

I'd talk to your GP first if you have a good one. Maybe also let the school know what you are doing and talk to them about your concerns. I hope you get the help you need.

ahh it really varies from area to area.

generally they really like schools to refer them. I presume that this is because the school will hopefully have picked up on any issues and will be able to get the SENCO to produce a report to go along with referral,

In our case the school was very reluctant to do anything, and so I went to the GP and asked for a referral (took 3 visits and 2 different GP's but we did get it done!). they did want to ask the school to refer first and contacted them, school said no, so we went back and GP agreed to refer.

So, I would say that it might be worth talking to school first. If they agree with you and are happy to refer then great.
If not then see your GP, explain school not willing to refer and insist on a referral via them.

You will normally get referred to the community paediatricians, although some will refer to CAHMS (depends what the issues are)

We were seen and assessed and given a diagnosis within a year. but it varies a lot and I know some people on here who've had a real battle with it.

and come over to the SN topic. lots of v. knowledgeable people on there

Does his teacher have concerns about his behaviour? If so then they can seek help via the SENCO.

I believe that once they are at school they are no longer under the care of the HV and become the responsibility of the School Nurse service / Community Paediatrician