How can I support my friend whose DS may have SEN?

[Missionocrity]

My lovely friend has been struggling with her DS (aged 6)- he is very behind in both reading and writing. She's been doing everything she can to help him (extra homework etc) and has had his eyesight/hearing checked in case there were problems but all clear.

Today she told me that school are asking a SENCO to help and have also asked that she goes to the GP and requests an assessment (she's not sure exactly what for).

She's upset and anxious about her little boy (who is absolutely lovely and such a kind, patient boy). What can I say/do to support her?!

She needs to speak to the SENCO in a lot more detail. As you say, a referral for what? The Senco needs to supply something in writing. The Senco also needs to be putting support in place! What is the school doing to support the child? If the Senco thinks the child needs extra help she needs to be supplying the information and be specific. It's their job! Yes, official diagnosis might be made through referral to a paediatrician but it's all about what the school will do with the info and you don't get referred without a specific reason. At six he's quite young for an educational psychologist assessment, but not too young for Speech and Language. The Senco can request this. The GP could refer to an occupational therapist for assessments for visual perception etc with is a big element when learning to read and write etc, but I think your friend needs specific facts to go armed with or she isn't going to get anywhere.

Thanks so much for your post Tainbri she's asked if I'll go to the appointments with her and I suggested we write a list of questions to take to the school and the GP to hopefully come up with a plan.

Her DS hasn't ever seen the SENCO, it seems odd that the teacher wants him to see paeds/GP but nobody has discussed with the SENCO yet?!