DS has been referred

[WaftyCrank]

What happens now?

He had an appointment at the GP's today. She asked what mine and preschool's concerns were, watched him for a few minutes and wrote a letter to a paediatrician straight away. I was expecting her to say I was being stupid and there was nothing wrong with him.

She told me to speak to IPSEA about an educational psychologist, do I just give their helpline a ring and ask them? My friend who's DS also has ASD told me to speak to preschool instead but she didn't think an educational psychologist would see him yet with him only being 3.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do now.

I think the paed will have to see you within 6 weeks. So I would do nothing and wait for the appointment.

She said to speak to IPSEA to get the best advice for getting the eductional psychologist.

I read the letter and she just wrote about mine and preschool's concerns about possible aspergers. His lack of concentration and coversation, poor eye contact, screaming, growling, hand flapping etc. He's had a bad day today which in a way was a slightly good thing as she got to see him in action so to speak.

We are in Preston but I'm not sure who she has referred us too.

She didn't say she just said to give them a ring to find things out. She did say I should start writing letters to people to get him help and support and to give them a certain amount of time to respond and then write again if they don't reply.

She said it was a hard fight but if I was very lucky I might have something in place for when he starts primary.

Do you have any other advice on what to do? Is it worth me phoning IPSEA? Or should I just wait for the Paed appointment?

Thanks so much for your help.

I had written a list of all the things I was concerned about to take to the GP's and I forgot it and my mind went blank when she asked me so I will definitely take it to the Paed.

I will have a look at Portage and I am already a member of my local Surestart so I will speak to them too.

Have you got any tips for when I see the Paed with regards to the diagnosis? Will it be difficult to get one, will they be reluctant? Will be taking DP with me for extra support.

Thanks again, you have been a great help.

Think I will be buying a a notepad to write everything down.

I'm really sorry, I know this is a serious discussion and I'm afraid I don't have anything constructive to add but I just had to say that I love your name!!

I hope you get some answers soon, sound like you have the makings of a good team around for your DS (GP, nursery etc) xxx

Thanks Vixen :o

No doubt I will be back for more advice soon.

just wanted to add you might want to call the pead to check the referral goes through, our SLT made a really good detailed referral. It was only when I called to chase it up we realised it hadn't got through

Blimey... I suspect it's worth booking another appt with the GP to ask why she's suggesting IPSEA at this stage. As said above, private EP etc aren't cheap but it may be that your area never offers sensible early years provision without a fight. She may well prove a fount of knowledge about other local services too.