Just saw EP for stat assessment

[debs40]

I saw the EP today who did some tests with DS for the SA.

She asked me what I wanted her to do with him and whether I wanted her to do a full scale IQ test. The alternative was to some other bits and pieces which would higlight strengths and weaknesses as well as bits of the IQ test.

I must admit, I'm always so wary of these people and immediately thought - what's the catch. I asked her what the downside to not IQ testing and she said if it went to Tribual and she got asked why she hadn't done it, she would say she wasn't asked to.

Very odd response. I said she should do what she thought was professionally appropriate and correct. So she agreed that she would prefer to look at strengths and weaknesses. She would put in her report that this was agreed.

DS really struggled on some of the communication stuff and she said she felt he needed SALT which he isn't getting at present. He also struggled to follow whaht she was saying sometimes. Lots of 'eh' or 'what' and her having to repeat things. Not so easy to do that in class.

She thought he needed OT and SALT but I kind of think she didn't see she had much of a role.

I think this is probably right and that's what he would need a statement for.

Shhe said her report doesn't automatically come to me but goes to panel and I have to request it. Is that right?

Well if she recommends a SALT And OT program and support in class for these issues that sounds positive?

I have always got copied in from my EP.

I'm hoping so Wassuup but it kind of feels too straightforward!!

"She said her report doesn't automatically come to me but goes to panel and I have to request it. Is that right?"

Sounds about right. BTW I never received a hard copy of such a report but she told me all I needed to know post assessment.

What the EP recommends and what you subsequently could receive on the propsed Statement may be two very different things. SALT in a statement can be a tricky area which some LEAs can try and dodge; for your future reference it must be written into Part 2 as well as 3.

OT will be probably put in part 6 unless you fight for it to be included elsewhere.

And if you are not on the SALT and OT books self refer ASAP.

hmm, I have always received copies of reports (usually by email) - sometimes even been asked for my comments, and whether I want anythign amended . mostly, though, just as a courtesy and I receive them as they are submitted to the LA. (this is nhs ones I am talking about, obviously!)

there is no way I would be happy with having to request information written about my own child (especially since you were there at the appt, and had to consent to the appt, etc)

does your ds have SALT assessment lined up as part of SA? or OT assessment? because, if not, on the strenght of this, and before it hits panel if possible, i would be pushing for these assessments. you might as well get as much info before the panel as possible, even if they wuill ignore most of it.

agreew ith Attila. you need it written into parts 2 & 3 - good luck with that. you have seen dd1's SALT report, and I had huge trouble getting her SALT needs listed as a separate thign to be tackled. (same for OT, actually dd1 has never had an nhs OT assessment, only private, which panel always then ignores as not impartial or some such nonsense!)

Yes, we have very detailed OT report and a SALT report has been requested. DS is still on OT's books but was discharged from SALT because, well, that's what happens here - discharge all ASD kids to school for TA and LA toolkit to deal with. EP agreed he needed proper help with this.

She said it was the system and I needed to contact SEN team so I have just emailed them to say I would like a copy of the report to express my surprise that this wasn't automatically shared with parents.

Has a specialist ASD SALT assessed him? If not request this as they can put in the recommendations for the LEA/school to follow.

Also maybe good at this stage to ask school if you can have a meeting with all professionals in school and the SENCO, so you can gage everyones opinion?

debs

I tried to get a copy of the EP's report for the Statement before the decision was made as to whether a Statement would be issued. the LEA refused togive it to me and stated the first opportunity I would have to see it would be when/if I received a Propsed statement.

There were bigger fights to have at that time so I didn't persue it.

I'd just be very wary that EP has not tried too state 'parent declined full assessemnt' - despite your agreement. We know the tricks they play.

But i think you've probably done the right thing as for her to have done a FA now would probably have tainted R's later report which wil be comprehensive and just what you need should you end up at Tribunal.

Best wishes

Thanks Wet. I need to send her some stuff tonight so I was going to thank her for her assessment and find some way of confirming in that email her advice to me not to do a full IQ assessment, e.g it was good to see you and I think DS did very well although he clearly struggled towards the end of your assessment (even though you had chosen to undertake a shortened and more version!)

I'd just thank her for observing hsi strengths and weaknesses (or whatever) and state that you would be happy to meet again should she she feel a full assessment is necessary.

That way you've got it documented. And you've got a get out clause for Tribunal -that she hasn't yet done a full assessment.

OMG - I think we're starting to get as sneaky as they are.

I know! I think it was always going to be a partial assessment - i.e. she would only have done IQ as an alternative to 'strengths and weaknesses'. It was an either/or not both.

of course, being sneaky, with an independent EP lined up, it is kind of good that she has only assessed him a bit!