First Community Paediatrics appointment - what to expect?

[jamoncrumpets]

DS (3) has his first appointment this week and I'm just wondering what to expect, so that we can prepare ourselves - and him.

He's been referred for issues with speech and social communication.

DS's assessment was fairly informal (he was just under 3). Alongside the Paediatrician, SALT and someone from SEND services attended. I spoke with the Paediatrician while DS played and was observed. Everyone was in the same room. Paediatrician asked questions about DS's development from when he was a baby. There was focussed questions on routines, social interaction, imagination, sensory behaviours etc. as well.

They also did a brief physical examination. Checked his heart rate and tried to measure and weigh him (DS did not play ball and flatly refused ).

Then they left the room to discuss the observation and when they came back the findings were discussed with me including diagnosis and next steps (referral for therapies etc.)

Be prepared that they might ask to see you again. We were initially given a SCD (Social Communication Difficulties) diagnosis and asked to come back in 12 months. I since discovered that this is common for our area and you don't generally get a definitive diagnosis on the first visit. Support did kick in straight away though.

Good luck. I hope it all goes well

Thank you, I'm not expecting a definitive diagnosis on the day, but it's good to have an idea of what to expect. DS will be fine with all the play based stuff but won't like the physical examinations, I expect!