ed psych parent interview - what to expect

[2munchkins]

My DC is currently being assessed for EHCP and I have a meeting with the Ed Psych after she has observed DC. DC is ADHD and ASD plus sensory issues. I wondered what to expect - what questions I will be asked if any and whether this is my opportunity to highlight needs and discuss secondary school preferences (DC is Year 6). Bit anxious about it that I say the right thing and get everthing covered.

Many thanks.

IME, the EP is there to find out as much as they can about the child. They tend to ask very open questions, such as "Tell me about your dc" and may then move to "What are your concerns?". Usually, once you start talking they will then start trying to 'quantify' things - so, rather than 'He's never been a good sleeper' they will want to know that 'He drops off at 9.30, but falls out of bed a couple of times during the night, and is up and roaming the house by 5.30am' or rather than 'a fussy eater' they want to know 'will only eat beige food' or 'will eat most things as long as they don't touch each other' etc. etc.
They usually ask for some history - developmental milestones, when you were first concerned, what has worked well, what does (s)he struggle with. How does that anxiety / behaviour present itself?
If this is for an ECHP, then they should be asking you (and, at 10, also your dc) about hopes and aspirations for the future. They will ask for strengths as well as areas of concern.
In my LA, the discussion around school preferences comes at the 2nd meeting (about 3 months in), but I've been told on MN not all authorities get a 2nd meeting. Also, if he is already Yr 6, haven't the secondary schools been allocated ??

Don't worry about 'saying the right thing' - the EP will lead you with questions and you have to think about all the difficulties your child encounters on a bad day.

Thanks backforGood. Had the interview and prepared for 'concerns' and was also asked about 'strengths'. It was useful to have the opportunity to talk about DC and I did mention schools prefence (eventhough DC allocated already) but sounds like it is something which is addressed later but I may not have a meeting. Now an anxious waiting game and whether it will be sorted in time for end of term for start of yr 7 in September.