Has anyone used Rosemary Thornton, Alan Willis, Mary Robertson, Gillian Willis (independent Ed psychs)

[aloha]

Hi, am thinking of getting an independent ed psych to assess ds (Aspergers) with the aim to trying to get a statement or at the very least helping ds at school.

Does anyone have any experience of any of the ones I've mentioned?

Not had any experience of these. I used Professor C Terrell from Aspire Consultants 02074678405. Nuffield in Cheltehnam, a hospital in Oxford or Harley St seem to be his stamping grounds (we did land up travelling around a lot for this process!) He was recommended to us by my advisor who has used him and who also diagnosed her son for his tribunal. My husband met him when he assessed DS and said he was the nicest man ever. He's written a very comprehensive report with cogent recommendations. Cost £500. My son's SENCO said his report hit DS's nail on the head and reflected him very well.

He didn't come out to see DS in school - I know that some do do this and that might be better to find someone that would do this if either your school are not being brilliant or your LEA ed psych is being crap. I'm not sure if Prof T does this or not (would no doubt cost you another £500 I assume)

Good Luck

Aloha, I was looking for an ed psych as well (for an ABA tribunal), and have just booked an appointment with Gillian Willis.
I've heard from lots of people that Allan Willis is very good, but he was too busy and turned me down.

Just to warn you, these ed psychs have very long waiting lists and you need to hurry if you want to get an appointment for this year!

Have you thought of David Urani? He's got a very good reputation as well, and lots of tribunal experience.

Thanks for your very useful replies. I had heard that David Urani had gone back to NZ, but that may not be so.
When are you seeing Gillian Willis? Gawd, they are like gold dust this ed psychs, aren't they? HOw far ahead did you book Homsa? Do you mind my asking why you booked and what you hope to gain from it. I don't even know if I'm doing the right thing anymore.

Aloha, maybe David Urani has resurfaced? it woudl be worth calling that number as he was jolly good, we thought.

David Urani is in the UK atm, but will be away from mid December till end of January, which is very annoying! His number is 0117 968 1719.

I've just made the appointment with Gillian, when I spoke to her a few weeks ago she still had a few slots in October, I could kick myself that I couldn't make my mind up then! Now we'll have to wait till January

We're hoping for a report that will state that only our ABA programme can meet DS's needs, but not the LEA provision, and that therefore ABA needs to be specified in DS's statement. I've heard that Gillian Willis is very pro-ABA, that's why I decided to go with her. No point shelling out over £1,000 for a report that doesn't your case, is there? From what I've heard the IEP report is an absolutely vital piece of evidence, so I guess it's necessary.

I'm definitely in the wrong job... hate to think how long it takes me to earn the money I need to pay her for a day's work!!!