There are some wonderful professionals out there!

[anonandlikeit]

Sometimes it feels like everything is a battle but then you come accross profs who really do care, regardless of budgets & policy... so I would like to sing the praises of..... our LEA, SEN officer, who is just great! It seems he is a rare bread but he is helpful, effiicent and always communicates with me before anyone else. Over the school hols we've had ds2's statement changed to reflect his changing needs & all without a fight.
Also the opthalmologist at the hospital who has put me in touch with the right people (so he says) armed me with info & literature about reading & ASD. Told me the opticians to use & the ones to avoid, we also had a very interesting discussion about research projects and ASD & reading difficulties.

Often we come on here & rant about all the crap provision, so just wanted to share a positive story for anyone just starting out!

Thanks for that, it is really reassuring and nice to hear. I am sure there are plenty of SN professionals who feel they are banging their head against a brick wall of red tape and fast disappearing funding. Sometimes all they need to do is listen and care, I guess. Glad you have got a good'un on your side!

I met an OT back in April, who fits the same criteria. She has been brill.

Stated that ds was failed at 7 when he was first seen by OT. She refused to back down to his current school with regard to the difficulties he has with writing, has forced the issue with getting ds a laptop. Helped push for Multi agency meeting and statement. She is also going into his school to show his teachers (not just the c**p senco) how to support him.

It's just a shame we have had to wait until ds is going into yr12 for somebody to stick their head over the parapet.

we also have a great OT. nursery staff and language unit staff have been great so far too. we've not had universally positive experiences with the professionals involved, but we've been lucky in that most have been a real help to ds.

Most of the people who've actually worked with J have been great, certainly all the teachers, most of the TAs have.

The OT is great and the SALT isn't bad. The ASD outreach woman is unreliable about keeping to appointments but that's cos she's overstretched; when you do get to see her, she's brilliant, and excellent with J. J's psych is the best. She's put herself out loads for us, always written reports to help with appeals etc. and tries to help me to a) parent J better and b) feel better about my parenting.

Thinking about it, it's only the LA professionals who are horrific!

DS's paediatrician listens and takes parents' concerns seriously. He tells me his opinions straight with no messing around. The letters are detailed and useful. Most appointments, I come out of nearly crying with relief.

We have a lovely Portage lady who manages to find a solution for everything. She never breaks a promise.

DS2's preschool staff are fab too.

I have to say, most of the people involved with dd2 are great, her portage worker is lovely (i will miss her), last week we met dd2's new SALT who came to the house and she was great, she saw dd2 using her new rolerball mouse on the pc and said she will try and get the school to buy one. Lets hope when she starts school (tomorrow) the staff will be just as good as the others involved with dd2.