Behavioural specialist- for toddler?

[surreygirl1987]

Hello! I have a lovely 3 year old boy. He is wonderful in many ways but his behaviour is becoming increasingly concerning (temper tantrums, violent outbursts at nursery etc). I'd like to get him to see a behavioural specialist and am happy to pay privately, but I have no idea how to arrange this. Can anybody please advise? Many thanks!

No idea on a behavioural specialist sorry but the book The Explosive Child usually hets good reviews on here.

What have Nursery said about his behaviour?

Thanks! Nursery have raised it with me and get designated SENCo to observe him and ar going to create some targets. They say he's behind on his emotional/social development but okay with everything else. They mentioned possiy autism but said it would likely be years before a diagnosis could be made. They say they want to support him however they can.

It's really good that Nursery have picked up that he's maybe behind in these areas a care trying to help him.

It maybe years before he does get a diagnosis with the NHS, they are correct unfortunately. However once he's 4 you can get a free assessment within 3 months from Caudwell Children which is free depending on your income.

Hi Op, given the issue is mainly based at nursery you would want to have a consultation with an educational psychologist - he is too young for any formal testing but they will provide a plan of pastoral support for him which will help greatly with starting school. Just some advice- are you sure his behaviour is not because nursery is too overwhelming/ stimulating for him and he needs to be in a smaller setting, that would be the first change to make for him xxx

Thanks! The issues definitely aren't isolated to nursery though. In fact, he used to be much worse at home but quite good at nursery. He'd go through ups and downs. But he changed nurseries due to relocation a few months ago and although he's settled in brilliantly and is really happy there, nursery have raised concerns about stimming, outbursts, struggles with transitions etc (they say too early to pursue an autism diagnosis). He's always been a tantrummer though, and we've gone through phase of kicking, biting, hitting etc.

What do Nursery mean that they think it's too early tp pursues diagnosis? Surely if they've observed these things it's best to ask your GP for a referral now given the time it usually takes?

Well, I don't know what's best - I'm no expert, which is why I'm posting for advice on here! Is that what you'd advise? To request a referral through the GP? Thank you.

Hi Surreygirl, yes as a first move I'd go and tell the GP about your DS's behaviour and the nursery's concerns, and ask for a referral. You will probably get a referral to CAMHS (children's mental health services). Some conditions such as autism are only diagnosed by a clinical psychologist in most parts of the UK so it's worth trying to get the NHS referral. And you can ask if the GP can point you at a private assessment - NHS GPs can often do this too.

The GP may point you at a parenting group in the meantime - go along if so. Parenting groups can be very variable quality but at worst it's a box ticked and at best some of them can be very helpful and supportive and have some good ideas about how to help your DS.

Thanks, thats very helpful!