Educational psychologists for AS... or something...?

[Swiddle]

My DS is nearly 9, has Aspergers, but no statement. He is in a mainstream primary school which is very supportive and nurturing, and he gets help from their special needs team.
But should I be doing something more? He gets terribly upset in certain situations and struggles with friendships. Should I book in for an education psychologist, paeditrician, or something...? I think some specialist help, personalised to him, would be brilliant, but not sure what's appropriate. Any ideas?
thanks.

its great your getting help from the school but have they said why they are not statementing ? it can only help more as yr DS may need more 1-1 or SALT as you say personalised to him for his own special needs you could go in for a chat with the schools sen/inclussion teacher or go the GP route to get a ref to child development paed but having said all that if you feel it aint broke why fix it, but SALT could be very useful for help with peers ect maybe best to just let the school know yr worries about DS's relationships/peers as they may be able to put a few simple steps in to place that will improve things in that area

I think you are better spending your money on therapies that might help him, rather than reports by professionals......

Thanks for your replies.
He needs someone help him deal with his difficulties, not provide reports.
I just don't know what these specialists do!
I want someone to get to know my DS, and suggest techniques to help with his unique issues, and offer some informed advice about boosting his self esteem (which is rock bottom, all due to feeling "different").
Who do I ask for? A paeditrician? A psychologist? Neuro consultant? Counsellor?
Would really appreciate any general pointers or specific recommendations!
Big thanks in advance...

I think you need to identify how his specific difficulties are affecting his life.

If he has low self esteem which is causing him mental health issues then your GP could refer him to The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

If he is finding it hard to access the curriculum in school because of obsessions or anxiety they can ask for support from the Specialist Autism Teachers of the Educational Psychologist.

For friendship issues the school could help him by developing a nurture group to support his social interaction with his peers.

If he is upset because he feels different perhaps finding a local Asperger's support group would help him. My DD1 benefits greatly from being around other children with Asperger's because it gives her an opportunity to fit in.

HTH

statistically id like to know how the therapies stand myself ill watch thread with interest as seen lots of chat about them but i know very little (my DS only reciently dx) would like to know more too but have little money so wouldnt want to spend a fortune only to find out not really worked IYSWIM ,if money was no object id try then all anything's worth a go

Would ask why there is no statement in place to date.

Statements can also address social and communication issues, they are not just for educational need.

I would look into getting your son a Statement from the LEA particularly before he arrives at secondary school. You can apply for this, you have far more power than school ever would have in that regard. IPSEA's website is helpful re statementing www.ipsea.org.uk

Many children on the spectrum can have serious problems if they are in secondary and are not properly supported. Also such places are very different from primary school; they are far bigger and more impersonal.

Agree with Attila, as part of the statementing process he will be assessed by the Educational Psychologist. Social and communication issues could also be part of his Indivdiual Education Plan.

OK... a couple of thoughts..
Who originally diagnosed your DS and when (paediatrician, CAMHS worker etc)
Do you get any follow up or ongoing input from that team?

I would suggest that although you say school is good, if his self esteem is "rock bottom" it would sound to me as if they are not doing enough to address his needs and support him.
There is indeed a lot of evidence for increased risk of further mental health problems such as anxiety or depression developing in young people with Aspergers. Ensuring all his needs are fully met at school can help protect against this.

Is he currently on School action or school action plus? Does he have an IEP and if so do you think it is any good?

Could you perhaps chat with him a bit more and try to pinpoint exactly which bits of school he finds the hardest?
Making a list of the things he struggles with at school could be a good starting point. You could then discuss with school SENCO and see what they say (depends whether theyre any good too though!)

I also agree with Atilla in that it is really important to get his needs identified and full support in place BEFORE he transfers to secondary school

WRT to various professional... an Ed Pysch may r may not be helpful. In theory they should be able to spend some time observing your ds and assessing him and help to clarify his needs in the educational setting (this includes his social and emotional needs) in reality the one we have finally got to come in for DD spent 1/2 an hour sat at the back of the class, and has been really rude and not very helpful at all...

Autism Outreach team is also worth a try as again they will observe and then offer suggestions to shcool

It is definitely worth looking into what more could be done though as it sounds as if your ds could use soem extra support.

Good luck

You lot are amazing. Extremely large thank yous!