ADD EHCP

[ADogAndThreeCats]

We are going to have our EHCP meeting at school which I requested at a Local Council. I would appreciate any advice about what to mention, and what to say...

My Y6 DS has ADD and exhibits symptoms of dyspraxia. This includes his PE, coordination and inability to handwrite longer pieces. It's not only about the legibility of his handwriting ( awful) but, most importantly, his hand gets tired very quickly. The handwriting struggle affects the development of his writing skills, particularly in creating stories. Last year, the teacher paid no attention to my recommendation of allowing my DS to type. Only half a year later did the message sink in for her, but it had already affected my son's writing skills.

Therefore, I would like the option of typing longer pieces of accommodation to be included in the EHCP statement, so I don't have to struggle with the lack of communication between SEN and the teacher, to say the least.
We are unlikely to get a 1:1 ratio because my DS is above the expected levels in maths and reading. This is due to the fact that he is very bright and my hard work with him at home. He could benefit from somebody helping him to pay attention as he is inattentive and his mind flies around even during tests.
CAMHS rejected him as he is missing that H in ADHD. He is not impulsive or hyper. He is calm, just inattentive. This is confirmed by the teachers who struggle to keep him focused but not enough for CAMHS
I am struggling to get an appointment with a paediatrician specializing in such cases. My GP says the referral should come from the school, but the school has done nothing despite I have been raising this issue since Year 3.
Now, after I completed the EHCP request, the SEN at school suddenly started panicking and completed the referral to OT. OT responded that they had already spoken with the school's SEN about it and sent a letter requesting referral forms. The school sent me a scan of a letter addressed to the school's SEN lady asking if I had heard about it. I must admit I was shocked that they sent me a letter that wasn't addressed to me and they clearly lost!
Last year, SEN wanted to meet regularly with my son, but it never happened. When I asked why it never took place, I received loads of excuses. I was truly fed up with it and that is why I think that only EHCP may help.

Any advice before EHCP meeting? Many thanks in advance

If the LA refuse to assess and you appeal, there are charities who can sometimes fund or contribute towards assessments if you aren’t eligible for legal aid but can’t afford independent assessments.

My daughter has just had a formal diagnosis of ADHD Combined. We done this via Right to Choose (was over a year waiting list via the school). We chose Clinical Partners (CAMHS ADHD Assessment) - it only took a few weeks to be seen. In her report it also suspects she has dyspraxia (writing if awful and she gets tired, not very good at p.e., banging into things etc) and to get her tested. Send this link to your GP and ask for them to refer you https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-services/right-to-choose - first fill in the questionnaires imbedded in this link and send them and this link at the same time to your GP via email.

Just to add - they will test for inattentive on its own - on their web page they say this..."However, ADD is an outdated term and is no longer commonly used in a clinical setting. Instead, the term ADHD is widely used to encompass the different subtypes, including inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive presentations".

Wintermoon, I wish it was like that in practice. CAMHS didn't follow up because he was not determined by questionnaire to be hyperactive and impulsive.

That is really bad! The clinic i went through are private but are a NHS provider (so was free). They will test him for inattentive and give you a diagnosis. It is a CAMHS one - but obviously not through the school. They will give recommendations in the report which the school should follow.