Educational psychologist assessment

[orangepudding]

My 5 year old DS has an ed psych assessment next week. Ds has great difficulty learning to read, write and count even to 10. He also has speech and language problems.

What is the ed psych going to be able to tell me about my son? I know they don't diagnose but will she be able to refer to a pead of she thinks he needs it or do I have to rely on my GP?

I'm really worried about what her findings may be and feel stressed out about the process.

Thanks Poltergoose.

I think seeing that my son has problems in black and white is going to be upsetting even though I know and accept he has issues. I think he has processing issues, I have no knowledge of how these effect a child long term.

I would try to look at it that if they can tell you what the areas of concern are with a bit more detail and also what might help then you narrow down where you need to go with things. So if they say that he shows signs of I don't know erm dyspraxia or something then you can then think 'ok, so now the next step is seeing a paediatrician to explore that' or if they suggest verbal problems then you would know that is a SALT issue. Have the school called in an ed psych but not referred to community paediatrician? it sounds like you have a few areas of concern so I would ask them to either do that or go to your GP and ask for a referral. Then if he needs specific help they should be able to arrange this.

I won't say don't worry, of course you will worry and find it stressful and I agree it is sad to think about your child struggling but this is a positive step and could help you and the school find out some ways to help him which will make an enormous difference.

I did speak to the GP after the SENCO suggested it. GP was dismissive and said it was up to the school to deal with any issues. Once I have the ed psych report I will take it to the GP and ask for a referral if he needs one.

The school did call in the ed psych because he is struggling with his learning but non verbal and verbal reasoning tests show he is on the 69th/65th centile.

He has a new SALT who has more time to work with him than the last one so hopefully he should make more progress with that.