Well whaddya know - nhs slt rang to offer ds an assessment and support

[Icedcakeandflower]

Long story, but briefly an nhs slt saw ds (10. AS) for 10 mins around 18 months ago and signed him off as the care pathway excluded children with asd.

Despite all my protestations, I got nowhere and ds has been supported by a private slt who I'm very happy with.

I met the LA last week re his proposed statement and slt support was discussed. This morning I had a phone call from a different nhs slt offering an assessment by an asd specialist and support

I'm not sure what to do. I'm happy with the private slt but how would it appear if I turned this down and I was in a tribunal situation?

Well, are you planning on being in a tribunal situation?

Is this not a preemptive move by the LA to get reports against you?

It is likely that I will need to appeal over part 4. The LA have said as much, all the time stressing this is because it takes time to consult schools (Ds' ms have said they can't meet his needs and I am looking at independents), and it doesn't mean we stop talking and amending the statement.

I am as suspicious as you, Star, but what can I do without looking bad?

Can you not to both? I was told that there was no SALT for my DD (3 at the time) so I booked private SALT which we have continued and then I was offered some group therapy through the NHS. It only lasted 6 weeks though and now she just tells nursery what to do. Very glad we have carried on with the private appointments as they have made the world of difference.

It may be a chance to spy / rebut your reports or it may be a chance to beef up their offer against any part 4 placement you ask for.

I think you are right to be suspicious but it is always easier to argue against actual provision you have tried than to have to argue against provision you have dismissed / refused and which the LA tell a Tribunal is 'fantastic' and would have solved all the problems if only Mum had not been so obstructive.

In some ways you are better to get the NHS SLT in asap as that means you will have longer to show its just Emperor's New Clothes. Sustaining decent provision for several months would test most SLT depts.

I would be tempted to ask to see the credentials of this ASD 'expert' eg ask to see their CV. Our ASD outreach teacher told the Tribunal she was an ABA 'expert' because (get this) she was booked onto a 3 day course on ABA at some time in the future!

I would keep going with the private SLT too though, the private SLT will be able to advise you if the new one is any good or not.

Refusing provision when you are asking for a more expensive placement is not usually a good tactic IMO. You are better to try it and prove it lacking.

Thanks everyone. Agnes, that's just what I was thinking... I have also asked my private slt how she feels about having another professional ostensibly working on the same difficulties

I suppose the fun and games have well and truly started. Oh well, here we go again.