So we are seeing the SN person at school again today. Can anyone help me figure out what it is Im asking for?

[OHforSUCKSsfake]

So last June (too late into the school year tbh) I had an epiphany moment when someone suggested my 7 year old had dyspraxia. I researched it and he has every one of the symptoms to the hightest order.

Off the top of my head right now he still cant tie laces, ride a bike (but we try both a lot) use a knife and fork together (rarely even uses a for at all), has trouble holding a pen, and hand writing. Cant remember more than one instruction at a time, easily upset, sleeps badly, suffers with nightmares, has issues with the 'feel' of certain foods, chews his clothes, is very oral, constantly telling him to take things out his mouth, falls over a LOT. Often hurting himself, clumsy, walks into doors, door ways or kicks the edges of things on a daily basism struggles in P.E and sports
And other stuff that I cant think of right now.

So I told the SN teacher (cant remember what they are called)
last june. She said she will refer us but 3 OT's have left and theres no one there to help.

I called the place she referred us to and they said there was a four year waiting list. (Four fucking years )

I went to the GP who shrugged and said he couldnt help. Went to another GP who said the same and another this morning who said he'd refer to an osteopath about his joints (hypermobility) and totally ignored my pleas about dyspraxia referrals.

So Im seeing the SN teacher at 3pm today, what shall I ask for?

TIA

I'm in a similar position - still waiting to hear from OT - could you ask for a referral to a developmental paediatrician? If she then refers to OT may hold more weight so to speak.

I have a private OT going in to assess my daughter - used the OT for her twin brother and she was excellent. It is expensive though and the assessment will cost me £700 but we are also u der going a refusal to assess so need evidence for that as well. She has been dx also with severe dyslexia. Good luck with your meeting this afternoon, let us know later how it went

Thank you. I suspect mild dyslexia as well tbh.

Hopefully I will get somewhere but Im not holding my breath.

I definitely dont have a spare £700, if I did Id do it in a flash.

I was PM'd recently with some excellent tips and a person to call. I called that person and she told me to go back to the SEN so this is me doing that, Im not sure it will help at all.

I had a quick google and found this on the NHS site
which says to go to your SENCO and GP.
When I asked a while back for DN I was given this advice from all the lovely MN people

OT is an NHS resource and gp should refer to paediatrician for initial assessment.

Diagnosis of Dyspraxia is 3 pronged IME.

1. Medical check by Paed to exclude any neurological/metabolic issues that could present with movement problems.

2. Assessment by a Psychologist (can be Educational but I find Clinical Psychologists have a wider view of the range of difficulties that arise.). The Psychologist assessment would usually (again IME) show a significant discrepancy between performance IQ and verbal IQ (the latter being higher). The child should also have an IQ in the average range (as some movement problems can be associated with general learning disabilities...broad generalisation there)

3. The OT would do standardised assessments of movements. Something like the Movement ABC. Which should show a significant difference to the child's peer age group.
   The SIPT is often used but as it requires advanced training in Sensory Integration, not every OT can administer it.

I should think the GP should be referring on to the Paedx at least to check the child out. Ideally, the Paedx would have a team to refer to for the other bits.

I could be wrong, but I don't think Ed Psyche can Diagnose dyspraxia. DS diagnosis was via combined result by a specialist physio and OT. Could they go privately? I was going to say as those 2 assessments weren't to bad cost wise - and then realised, that actually it was a little over 1000 quid (that is in London though).....surely the GP could refer to OT and developemental physio (if thats what they are called)

Dyspraxia is dxed in the absence of any other neurological conditions that might affect co-ordination. Realistically you need a paediatrician to dx - but with report from OT/Physio to confirm.
The best test to ask for - but not available in all NHS areas - is the SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test). This is one of the most comprehensive tests, consequently offers the most tailored programme of help with the results.

OT can give a programme of exercises to help - that might include some that the school could put in place too.

HTH

GP needs to refer to a developmental paediatrician who will oversee further referrals if necessary.

There should ne no shrugging.

Sadly on an NHS waiting list could mean that you miss the 'window of opportunity' for fine motor control and SIPT cuts off at age 9.

Then becomes coping rather than hoping to improve.

I agree with starlight that the way to diagnosis is through GP referral. Could you change practice? Or is that not a helpful suggestion. Could you go to GP and say school suggests dyspraxia (sounds like theyagree with you) please refer? I wonder if that made a difference when we asked GP for referral

Ive said exactly that 3 times Levatine.

All to a brick wall. :-(

Two-pronged attack then

First a complaint to PALs that your GP will not refer you to OT.

Secondly a complaint to your MP that the OT waiting list is 4 years long.

That approach should get you an OT appointment in a few months time.

Don't SAY anything more. Put all his symptoms in writing with real life examples. Request the referral in writing.

A GP would not want that kind of evidence hanging about if they are wrong so will be extra cautious with saying no to referrals.

Right, I love your way of thinking. Bloody good plan.

I will come back and let you know how I got on!