Advice re therapy for young children

[queenjaneappro]

I have twins aged 8, diagnosed ASD, suspected PDA. We have a lot of really challenging behaviours.

Camhs have said they are too young for any therapy. Their OT strongly maintains they need clinical psychology input. She has built up a good relationship with both children and my son is opening up to her about the need to strongly hurt people when he gets upset.

We requested funding to be added to this on their EHCPs but this was refused. I am in the process of challenging this.

I just wondered if anyone else had similar experience and had found any therapeutic intervention helpful at this age.

Or if Camhs are just saying no as they can't/won't fund it. Also they don't seem experienced with kids this age- they told me it was the first time they has seen kids this young. This was only after I complained and escalated their refusal to assess the kids for five years.

It's nonsense CAMHS haven't seen 8y/o's before, of course they have and younger.

There's several therapies that can be offered at that age - play therapy, Filial therapy, theraplay, art therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, Lego therapy...

I have 2 DS's who are older now but had therapeutic interventions in their EHCPs before 8.

This is really helpful thank you.

They do have Lego therapy in their EHCPs but I think this focus on this is taking turns, working as a team and so on.

The OT has suggested play/drama therapy to try and address some of the anger management / behavioural issues. They both get very physical very quickly hurting themselves, each other and me on a daily basis.

I am challenging the refusal to add this to EHCPs and am trying to arm myself with information so thank you.