What can I expect at the assessment meeting with the Ed Psyc?

[Peaceflower]

As part of the assessment for a statement, dd (12) and I are attending a meeting with the Ed Psych next Tues.

DD has already received a dx of AS and the dx report clearly states "there is no need to consider alternative placements" as she does not have the coping mechanism to attend school. It also suggests she should receive home tuition.

DD wants to attend an independent special school :). She will not accept anything else.

Can anyone offer any tips for how I should approach this meeting, and what to expect? This meeting is such a Big Deal, and I want to do my best.

I dont think i can be much help as dd2 is only 4.

With dd2 they sat down and did some activites with her to see how she interacts, copes with sitting still and how she communicates. Most of this was done through play and simple questions. He also went through (with me) dd2's life from when she was born until now, we had to fill in a questionare (basic questions). I guess they will do the same with your dd but at a level to suit her age group.

I wish i could be more help.

Our ed psyc is useless, dd2 preformed well (as she does 1:1 with an adult) and they refussed her a place at the sn school.

I hope you get a good outcome. xxx

DS was 10 when he was seen by the LA EP. She did some cognitive tests and attainment tests. If your DD is bright, it's worth specifically asking for the cognitive tests as EPs don't always do them.

She also asked me about some history - she had his school file. If there are things you want to mention it's worth putting it on paper to give to the EP, especially if you don't want DD overhearing.

Also bring the dx report and any other relevant paperwork - the EP should have been given them but things do get lost in the system.

Our EP had to gather 'the views of the child' (which is a legal obligation). So if your DD definitely wants to attend a particular school, it's worth encouraging her to make her voice heard!

If there are particular issues that make DD unsuitable for the most likely LA provision, it's worth emphasising them (e.g. anxiety/academic ability/behaviour).

Marne, thank you for taking the time to write, and your support. So much has been building up and working towards this meeting.

SCM thank you. That is exactly the specific type of info I was hoping for. I will prepare accordingly :).

I have been googling madly, and found very useful info on the CP website, even though it doesn't specifically refer to AS.

Well, I've been to the meeting. DD refused to go, so I went on my own.

I spent 1 1/2 hours talking about her and came home with a questioonare for her to complete. I think I got my point of view across.

Here's hoping the Ed Psych will be able to come up with a satisfactory report without seeing her. I've asked to see a copy when it's done.

I'm glad you felt the meeting went well. Would you have preferred that the EP did see your DD? Because ours did offer a home visit so perhaps it's something you could suggest. Or an unannounced observation in school (which our EP also did).

Hello SCM. It would have been good if the EP had seen her, just to personalise the "case". He did offer a home visit, but she is not willing to see hime at home either. He also offered another opportunity to meet.

She is however, wavering, and may be open to another meeting, so long as she knows exactly what will be expected from her, in terms of tests, etc - so I will be giving him a call today.....