School want to refer DD to a pead:-( Not sure what to think, could do with some advice.

[alibobins]

Had discussion last term about dd who's just turned 7 as they had concerns over her social development and saying she doesn't understand that there is a consequence for her actionsand that things she does effect others around her.

They are also concerned about her lack of concentration and her angry outbursts.

They implied she had ADHD not sure if they can say that i'm really confused/upset

Don't really know what to think

Has anyone got any experience/advice

I can't really give any practical advice, but think the school are wrong to make this 'diagnosis' when they have no qualifications to do so.

I can remember being in hosp with a very sick DS and some stupid SHO saying "how long has he shown symptoms of ADHD?" I was livid, and for his information my DS was freaking out as he was scared that the man in uniform with a stetascope was going to stick needles in him - and boy was he right! I told my Paed who was also cross - it is unnecessarily damaging and worrying to speculate.

You will probably get a referral to a Community Paed to have an assessment. Now I'm a parnoid sort (have had some trouble with DS' private school) so personally I would go to my GP and get the referral myself.

Then when you can make the decision when the information is released to the school (in theory) by not signing permission for the school to get a copy of the reports. Giving you more breathing/thinking space. Of course if the school is helpful and supportive this would not be nec, but just a thought.

Going to your GP is a good idea as they will have information about procedures for referral to the Paediatrician in your area. In my authority we have a parent partnership that can offer information and support, also the school SENCO might be able to offer support. At your GP surgery the HV team can also be a font of knowledge.

Anyone who is interested if you have a child under 5 and in a setting (nursery, playgroup) then there are the Area SENCO teams (or area inclusion coordinators or similar) that can be accessed for support and advice by the childcare SENCO - so they are also an avenue for support. Don?t forget behaviour difficulties and language difficulties are also important to identify and support early. My advice is ?get help and get it straight away?. Why work on your own when there are services out there to support you?

Another way of getting information is through the Advisory Teacher Service that looks after children with SEN. They are called different names in different authorities (as are all services - that does not help the confusion) but the School SENCO would be able to let you know and then might be able to ring them to access info for you(if they don't know themselves)

Early Intervention and identification are the buzz words from the every child matters agenda so they should all be geared up to help and to direct you in the right direction.

but sometimes it's very hard getting the help eunice. like bashing your head against a brick wall. I was first concerned about DS speech when he was 2.3. Couldn't get HV or GP to refer until he was nearly 3. Now he is stuck on a 10/11 month waiting list for joint clinic. He has had 2 private SALT appointments (SALT provided some written instructions for working with him). When nursery had Neighbourhood Early Years Service in, NEYS just looked at the private SALT instructions, and thought that was all the help he needed, and didn't suggest anything of their own. I have recently been made aware of existence of Parent Partnership, and will be contacting them this week for further advice.

sorry to drag the thread off topic Ali. I guess speak to your GP for some general advice about this, and whether you want a paed referral for her.

Oh and i meant to say that helpful diagnosis by unqualified professionals is about as useful as a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

There are lots of reasons why children become angry, have short concentration, and generally act up. These include: diet, lack of sleep, innapropriate curriculum, boredom, anxiety as well as conditions that can be diagnosed.

I found that talking to someone who could see how my child was in different contexts helped. If your child is placid and concentrates well at home then your problem is the school. If you are concerned about her at home as well then get support and don't be on your own. It will help you all

Hi total choas.

I know that is sooo frustrating. I have recently been involved in Early Support within my authority and was amazed about the information out there that is under used or a secret. Why is it that parents feel that they are banging their heads against a brick wall!

I so agree with you and feel galvanised into action! I started a web site with another parent in our authority just so that parents could ask this type of question. I was looking on the web about Teams Around the Family when i came across this web site and decided to have a little chat.

My problem is that although Authorities are similar they use different terms- So we have to go through guess the name and guess the professional that takes on this role within the authority.

Anyway Hi

I do have some probs at home but I just thought she was a demanding child

Speaking to school at 9.30 today.

She might be demanding - I have that diagnosis too - my mother would have loved it. My daughter has a clear diagnosis of 'demanding'.

I don't know what you are like but once someone has sown a seed of doubt in my head I worry about it.

What will you do?