Appointment on friday...what should I ask?

[woolytree]

DD nearly 5, just started MS school, inital dx ASD, follow up appointment Friday for further assesment and possible dx...what should I ask?

Main concerns;

Is her school right for her?
Would they back a statement of special needs?
Recommend portage?
Would they back an application for DLA?
How much SALT does she need?
Could we push for MS school with ASD unit...found one near us!

Im very worried that the whole process of dx and following treatment will be too little too late...would like DD to reach her full potential...as any parent would. Ive read many threads on MN and seen many struggles to do right by DCs....Tips please! :)

Re: DLA, may be good to phrase it as 'we think DD needs more help than other dc of her age with x/y/z, would you be willing to spport this if we applied for DLA?' It's all about what they need in terms of support rather than specific diagnosis, and that sort of question might help them write a better letter (though some will anyway).

I'm sure ohters will give you loads of good advice before Friday!

Thanks snowmarsh. :)

and you can push for whatever you think its right for her!

Make a list of her strength and weaknesses and have a think where can this be supported the best, which learning environment is right for her? Also she may benefit from an OT as well as the SALT.

Good luck x

bump

Bumpety....

Thanks Starlight.

Last time we went it was SALT, Psych and Paed combined clinic appointment, they mentioned school being an issue but were not specific. Were only just getting to grips with how ASD effects DDs everyday life. Have a referral for SALT in school...next term?!

Is she too old for portage? Shes nearly 5, I looked up local portage and it seemed to be for pre school DCs.

We are in touch with our local inclusion service, Im thinking they will be more usefull with school issues....she is very enthusiastic about DDs potential. :) Have phoned her today for a follow up meeting with SENCO/new teacher.

I still feel like a newbie about all this stuff...a steep learning curve....thank god for MN!

Just another bump....

....Went this morning, only to find it was a 'medical' appointment not the Psychological assesment we were waiting for....despite Psychologist promising, (and writing on her notes), 3rd week in september in order to complete diagnosis report.

The Paed I saw was very nice...although wouldnt tell me anything that was on the draft report she had in our file, I explained what was said previously, school issues and that everyone was waiting dx in order to involve autism outreach etc. She rang Psych office and explained we were a 'priority' ..:) They agreed to call back.....Rang me on drive home to say can we make THIS tuesday!

Dd2 no longer gets portage, it stopped when she started school.

In my experience, the dx changes very little. It's going to be ages until Autism Outreach get to ds' school. Because ds is HFA school are a bit out of their depth with him (they have other ASD kids but they are not HFA) I did have a fruitful meeting with local NAS branch though who gave me some good tips for statement review meeting next week.

Def start filling in a DLA form (depressing though it is)

That was my concern. DDs school doesnt seem to understand much. The Inclusion Team are sending someone over on Tuesday...and every week untill we get Autism Team go out, maybe next term. To help them understand DDs needs, just because shes not having a meltdown doesnt mean shes coping. They only have experience with AS.

Will begin SA/DLA process after tuesdays meeting with Psych and consulted with Incusion.