Dyspraxia/PDA/aspergers not bloody sure but questions

[Mrsuncertainty]

After 6 months of waiting we finally have an appt at the child communications disorders uni ... We have lots of forms to fill in, and school have some too. But really - what do I expect from the appt? What level of assessments will they do, & how long will we have to wait for diagnosis roughly? Will we get chance to Speak to the co Sumter without DS? He's very bright & a maybe a bit paranoid / anxious so privacy is important.

DS is 4.5 - just started reception & is struggling especially socially.
Main issues are No real friends, struggles with kids of his own age, disproportionately frustrated, meltdowns, can't share, is very fussy with food, plus has several allergies, can't 'do' loud noises, is constantly hugging me, is generally lovely but bloody hard work.

Feeling pretty overwhelmed...does anybody have any ideas or answers please?

Are there any therapies that might help him - like music therapy? Frankly-sacral is great for him.

Thank you

Er sorry about the typos!

Uni- unit
Co sumpter - consultant
Frankly- cranio

Just to say if you suspect dyspraxia it is classified as a physical disability, so you can go via your GP for external assessments/diagnoses. this can be a great help as you are not caught up in the school system. Go for Paediatric Neurological assessment, OT assessment and Physio assessment. Also look as speciality centres such as the Nuffield that your GP can refer you to.

Do any alternative therapies that you feel might work. from my observation they are mostly benign...so no harm done.

My son has dyspraxia but he has been under peadiatric care from 2.5. He is six with no formal diagnosis still ( verbal diagnosis only) so it's been 3.5 years with no diagnosis yet. I am still waiting. If its dyspraxia it's a bit harder to pin down but god knows why. Your son sounds old enough to be diagnosed.

hi 2boys..I took ds for assessment for a neurophysiotherapist at the Portland (cost a fortune, about £500) who first diagnosed dyspraxia. I did find that although it cost me that amount, having that diagnosis, and the accompanying documentation (re tests etc) really helped when dealing with local providers. Its a bit of stick...then I got him assessed by the local HCT/LEA provider who jumped up and did a full neuro assessment, OT and physio assessment and got the diagnosis.

Sorry to bit a negative about NHS provision here, but I fought for ds from aged 2.5 until 9, then removed him to private, and lo and behold, got corrobatary (sic) evidence.

They have so little time, I would urge to do do whatever you need.

Thanks for the advice. I have written a frank letter to his pead asking what her aim is with him and for a diagnosis. His ot has written to her asking for this as well. The problem is no one will recognise any private reports so I still need that nhs dx. I asked for cahms to be called in to rule out asd but it seems kids have to at break down to see them

Just wanted to say hi as your DS sounds so much like mine. He is diagnosed Aspergers although I believe this is rare now and most children are given a general ASD diagnosis.

Sorry forgot to say my DS is 5. Can't really help with getting diagnosis as it varies so widely from region to region but if you would like I could let you know the techniques used both at home and in school to assist him. Please feel free to message me.

Thank you for all of your responses.

I will get the book you mention pockets thank you.

Oh got to run, will be back

Madame - are the places Nuffield etc private? Thanks in advance

I think you can be referred by your gp.