How long should I wait for a referral before chasing?

[largeoneplease]

In early July, I had a long chat with my GP re DS1.

We agreed that he possibly has some traits of dyspraxia and/or Aspergers and GP would make a referral to the local paediatric clinic. I have heard nothing since.

If there is a problem, it is not severe and I am in 2 minds a to whether a "label" will be helpful in any case, but I do think that if there is something that could be helpful for him, I should make sure he gets that help. Although a diagnosis would certainly help explain some of his odd behaviour, I am not hoping for that outcome. The best news for me would be that it is all in my head. How long should I leave it, bearing in mind GP probably did not see it as a priority case? I rarely go to the Dr's and find that when I do go, they take my concerns seriously, so I don't want to make a nuisance of myself unnecessarily, in case I really need them next time IYSWIM.

phone up the paediatric clinic to chase this up and find out how long the likely waiting list is. it may well be that you won't be sent an appointment date until a month or so before the appointment, even though the wait is several months long.

If the referral was made in July you may not hear from them for some considerable time. This does not mean to say that you should not contact the centre to which the referral was made.

You should ensure that you are on the waiting list to see a developmental paediatrician rather than a community paediatrician.

See a "label" as a signpost to getting more help.

It took 3 months for an appointment to come through for my DS. He too is showing signs of dyspraxia and/or Aspergers. I then had to phone and hassle the paediatrician's secretary to get the report written. That took two months. The report triggers off all other assessments so it is important to get it done. Like you I didn't want a diagnosis really, if I'm honest I was frightened and just wanted people to tell me that he was fine. I got more than I bargained for in the end and now 6 months down the line we are waiting for an OT, Physio and SLT assessment. He started school this week and already I'm hearing that he was unable to sit on the carpet for long etc so I just want to get it sorted and make sure he gets the help he needs. You don't say how old your DS is.
I think you need to chase up this referral.

Ring up and ask the maximum waiting time, they should have targets. We saw a community paed within 8 weeks but then waited 18 months for his referral to OT for assessment.