conflict wwyd ?? TIA

[devientenigma]

After our last appointment with our ds cardiologist, again he has wrote a letter to all invloved about his behaviour. And he wants his asd assessed and managed. He also stated verbally that my son should not be forced into any situations and underlying problems dealt with. My son also knows his limits and as he can't get near him to check his heart he has told me to start saying his behaviour is impacting his health as he can't check what the stress is doing.
So the school doc at my sons special school called us in, discussed my sons behaviour saying as the cardiologist usually see well behaved kids that when a kid comes in with a "strop" doesn't mean to say its asd. Also he just means no child should behave the way my son does over not much and its ok to force him to do anything as his heart will take it............however if his heart packs in while we put behaviour plans in place and forcing him to do whatever, sue him!!
WWYD TIA x

Tell the school doc to do one! How is a GP's opinion more valid than a specialists? And forcing him to do it could be construed as abuse. At least, force-feeding and force-washing are classed as abusive behaviour...

OMG what a dreadful response from the school doc - I agree with everything that purplepidjin said.

IIWY I would get in touch with the NAS helpline as they would be able to give you some good pointers as to how to appraoch this

Thanks, I was feeling the same. Just needed to hear it from someone else. DH was thinking about getting a contract drawn up from a solicitor so we have more clout if anything happens and keep the school doc to his word RE sueing him lol.
Take care x

Hmm, I'd be tempted to get that in writing, then seek further professional advice )Ofsted??). I have worked in SN schools, and have had to have additional training in physical interventions to work around things like epilepsy etc. But I/we would only ever use any restraint at the lowest possible level for the least possible amount of time in order to keep people safe. Which, tbh, can often be managed by other behaviour management strategies anyway. Anything like that should be on his care plan/IEP if it is likely to be used more than once in 3 months or so iirc.

Just FYI, I mean anything from a hand on the shoulder to get someone's attention or support them to cross the road through to having to take hold of them and escort them to a quiet area or hold them where they are until they calm - not a position any staff member wants to be in, it's upsetting for anyone and everyone involved and an absolute last possible resort :(

sorry just reread. He doesn't have a dx of asd, though some would like this. He is primarily down syndrome. Restraint is used though not in any IEP's though we do have a behaviour plan for getting him to stand up as he sits down frequently. The plan involves 4 adults and 2 chairs. His care plan doesn't meet his needs as everyone conflicts what each other says, so basically stalemate. Thanks though Purple it's all good to know x

The school DR sounds like a loon - and a dangerous one at that.

Is he saying this because the school are struggling with your DS's behaviour and therefore he is thinking of the school not your child?

that should be is he, not he is

Given the increased incidence of heart defects with most chromosomal abnormalities, an experienced paediatric cardiologist might well have worked with more kids with Down's than your school doc!