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Parenting

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Is the child psychologist in the wrong?

176 replies

almostalwayslaura · 30/06/2025 22:44

We have started seeing a child psychologist with my 11 year old daughter. Has major issues with health related issues, manifesting in many ways but mainly wobbly teeth. For example, if she has a wobbly tooth she completely shuts down, can’t talk or open her mouth - sounds extreme but I’m not exaggerating - it is extreme. I have been managing this myself at home however this presented itself at school and teachers/school nurse got involved.. hence the child psychologist referral.

today was the first appointment LG attended, the first two were parent only. At the first appointment we were told we would be seeing a student psychologist. The student today, after a few awkward silences and speaking to her about a few different things turned to us and bluntly said ‘have you ever considered she has autism?’ I was flabbergasted at the bluntness - obviously I am aware she has a few quirks and sensory processing issues (examples include food and being unable to touch her own neck… strange I am aware) but I just can’t believe he just came out and said it in front of her??

was he in the wrong? Am I over thinking this? I don’t know what to do or whether to return to appointments?? I am completely lost on how to support her as due to her age, periods will begin soon and i cant even begin to imagine how her brain will cope with this - she had a femur break and was in traction in hospital for 6 weeks and i do think this is the root cause but autism? I’m shocked. Any advice on what I should do would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

OP posts:
almostalwayslaura · 03/07/2025 06:52

GwendolineFairfax8 · 03/07/2025 05:53

I cannot understand why so many are missing the point or think this acceptable. The OP was blindsided by a student child psychologist blurting out in front of her daughter that she might have autism. The OP would want to be prepared for the questions her daughter would have.

DD - Is it bad?
Mum - no it isn’t.
DD - How do you know? Tell me about it.
Mum saying I can’t right now but I will look into it is not very reassuring if a child is already anxious.

The OP is not saying autism is ‘bad’ just that she knows little about it to properly respond to her daughter at the time. She also has the benefit of teachers working with her daughter who would not support this ‘diagnosis’.

A child psychologist should never blurt out their opinion during a consultation with the child present. A professional sends a report to the school and to the parents (never to the child) and once a responsible parent has digested and had their questions answered, they can then discuss it with the child.

Edited

Thank you so much for your response, I never even thought of the report - I can’t even imagine this would be published in the report!

I have emailed the students supervisor to say I’d like her to be present to discuss a few things at the next meeting which will be parent only and we will see where we go from there. Thank you for your response, very helpful x

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