I am writing in the hope that you all can help me navigate the SEN world for me?
I have a lovely six year old boy who is now in year 1. Trying the keep it as short as possible, that's the situation with him.
- Lovely boy who, to most outsiders, would seem to be completely 'normal' for his age. Speaks very well and with advanced vocabulary, asks 100.000 questions per day, Interested in engineering, medical things and will happily discuss anything from astrophysics to mechanical engineering with his dad ... and various other stuff with me.
- In early childhood, very late talker (only started talking in full sentences in lockdown at three and a half), MASSIVE tantrums over minor things (e.g. being given the Thomas spoon and not the Paw Patrol spoon could result in a 45 minute meltdown he couldn't be distracted out off. That's a lot better now though.
- Diagnosed with encopresis at 4 1/2 as he just wouldn't toilet train. Things with poos are a lot better (though not fully resolved) thanks to medication but still very frequent wee accidents. I am unsure whether they are a medical or a behavioural issue, but think there is a strong behavioural component a least as for many years, his toileting was tightly controlled and 'scheduled' due to the other issue, so he is not used to listening to his body.
- Not doing too well in school - despite being the oldest in his class, he has still not mastered the EYFS stage in reading. Reads very slowly and sounds each word out.
- Recently diagnosed with glue ear. Follow-on hearing test in two weeks and then possible referral to ENT for grommets.
Luckily, we have lots of appointments coming up in the next two weeks - paediatrician for poo / wee issue, follow on hearing test and, to get a 360 degree perspective, daddy has just taken him for an eye test. But I was wondering whether to get other professionals involved, too, and in what order.
- It was suggested to me that the wee problem may be due to lack of interoception. Occupational Therapy can deal with this, but I have not yet found an OT that will take him on.
- Dyslexia assessment? He also has problems with remembering numbers, and I have read that word memory is a symptom of dyslexia too. That can only be done from age 7 though (7 months to wait)
- Educational Psychologist? From what I have read, their assessment is very comprehensive, and could therefore also perhaps signpost support for the poo / wee problem and whether we should go for dyslexia assessment.
My gut feeling is to start with the educational psychologist. Luckily, we can pay privately if needed to avoid waiting times. But I would appreciate some advice for those of you who are more knowledgeable!