DS with possible sensory processing problems

[chelseamorning]

We took our 6yr old DS to a craniosacral therapist who diagnosed him as having sensory processing problems. However we need to get an OT's diagnosis and report in order for his school to act. As this is all a bit new for us, we're not really sure how to find/choose one. Can someone please give us some advice?

We live near High Wycombe in south Buckinghamshire. Does anyone please have any recommendations? It's a wealthy area but we're not and don't have deep pockets. However, if the NHS route is a slow one, then we're prepared to pay if need be.

Thanks for reading. Your thoughts and experiences very welcome! I'm very emotional about all this but am trying to keep positive by looking at practical ways to help.

Anyone please?

Ask your GP for a referral, but you might well be in a for a long wait (18 months in my area )

Ds was dx by the local paediatric OT.

There's a 3 year wait for OT in my area in south west! Look online for a private OT will be the region of £120 I imagine or was when I looked down here for one. But try GP first for nhs referral

Oh, god, 18 months?! Is this the norm?!

Did you get to see your paediatric OT through your GP referral, Iceflower?

Sorry I don't have the link but google 'sensory processing disorder checklist' - add 'pdf' for a printable.

Don't presume a long wait - DS2 was referred to OT by the GP at the beginning of term and has an appointment at OT in two day's time. Following the referral OT usually send out a parental and school questionnaire. Do the school have any concerns with gross or fine motor skills, not following instructions, hyper-hyposensitivity etc?

Could you try seeing if the school will get the Ed Psych out to see him. Is he on School Action or School Action + ?

In my area a referral to OT won't help as they will not see children if they have sensory issues. The only way is to go private which I did but then lea refused to accept it and have now paid the NHS OT to do their own report which has now come back worse than mine! Hopefully as we head now to tribunal I can get OT put I to the statement and he will get the help he needs. Just be prepared that it can be difficult to see an OT but defrost worth going to see your gp. I did with my older son as he had dyspraxia and we were seen very quickly, they picked up he had sensory issues but because there is no fu ding couldn't give him therapy for that but he is having other OT therapy starting shortly although worrying not by a qualified OT! But hey ho :-)

Ds was actually referred by his school as part of a CAF. A friend got round the wait for support by getting a private dx, and was seen by the NHS OT quite promptly after.

In my area, support consists of strategies being provided to schools and parents, supervised by an OT.

The current wait around here (Surrey) is 6-8 months. GP referred one of my children, the school nurse did the other.

Link to website with info on sensory processing. This is a comprehensive checklist. Useful to print off and use to talk to the professionals.

Here is a link to the BAOT (British Association of Occupational Therapists) private practice group.

I am in linky heaven! Hope that helps.