Is there something else going on with DS? SEN?

[Mooey89]

DS is 7.
I’ve had concerns about him for a few years but school have never felt it enough of an issue to pursue.
He is very behind at school. Assessed as ‘pre key stage’ and can barely read and struggles to write a legible sentence.
He really struggles to regulate his emotions and will often have epic tantrums or get very distressed/angry.
He finds it really difficult to concentrate, forgets what he’s doing midway through a task - for example will forget to eat breakfast or put shoes on even with one at a time instruction because he’s got distracted by something.
He has an amazing imagination and so kind and caring but I can see his confidence being knocked by this and I just want the right support if he needs it.
He struggles with sleep and will often be up past 10 am and waking at 6, then super tired in the day. This has got better since being back at school.
He is very very loud and talks constantly, from the second he wakes up to the second he falls asleep. finds it difficult to wait his turn and interrupts conversations.

I have mentioned to the new school (just gone into juniors) they are concerned about his learning and have him on a special plan with additional TA support and are going to ‘keep an eye’ on the other stuff.
What are my next steps? Or does he just sound like a 7 year old??

It sounds like his school are on the ball and concerned. When did you last speak to the school? It’s worth having a meeting class teacher and/or Senco and asking them where they think needs to happen next eg more support, review from Ed psych, any additional work you can do with him at home.

It’s hard at this age because some kids are just immature and others do have additional needs.

As pp said, it sounds like school are on the ball. From your side I would suggest keeping a diary. There is a good ABC method where you write down antecent, behaviour and consequence eg A-told him off, B-kicked me, C-sent to room. This is useful if you get a referral to a specialist as it is good evidence of a problem. It’s also very useful for you to spot patterns and see what works at home.

Getting professional help can be hit and miss but there are lots of things you can try at home.

FWIW my 8yo interrupts almost constantly, and my 10yo never still can’t take turns talking so I wouldn’t be too concerned about that part.

Oh, there’s a very good book called “what to do if you dread your bed” that helped my SN son go from 11pm bedtime to 9pm. Massive improvement. Based on CBT.

Ask for paediatrician appointment or screening for neurodevelopmental disorders. Remember in a system that is failing our kids - even where individual schools and teachers are doing their best - you will have to persist to get your boy fair treatment.