DD has assessment soon and I'm bricking it

[cktwo]

DD1's assessment with the multi-agency team takes place in a couple of weeks and whilst I'm relieved that we're finally going to find out what's wrong with her I'm also terrified.

I know it's an over-reaction but I feel like I'm heading into the unknown. Can anyone give me any idea of what to expect??

I did have one of these and it is pretty gruelling - we had to sit and play with him in a room while observed through 2 way mirror (that part was fine) , then they tried some non-verbal IQ tests on him, which to be honest he did not co-operate with at all, so if you DD is the same, point out to them that you believe the test is invalid if the child won't co-operate with the testing system (otherwise they will try and bung a really low IQ on your kid and it is not right), then we had a lot of questions for a diagnostic interview (that was ok), then we had a chat at the end with the team. We knew already he was ASD, but it was quite useful getting this thorough an examination plus the resulting paperwork has really really helped in the later statementing process (it is difficult for an LEA to argue against statementing a kid with such detailed paperwork). I don't know where you are or even if your meeting will be the same (ours was at the Maudsley Autism centre) but good luck and I hope it goes !

I hope it goes ok or even well was how I meant to end last post! Big hugs

Thank you. I had a chat with DH last night and feel a little better. I think I'm just sick of hospitals and so is DD1.

I have suspicions that DD is dyspraxic but I also think she may have autistic tendancies too. Its so much to take in. We feel we've had to fight for her ever since she was born and even though I'm pleased we've got to this point I fear theres more finghting to come

I know exactly how you feel - it's like you spend your whole life fighting, on alert for the next battle. Mums of kids with no problems just don't live like this. Good luck though!

ds2's multi disciplinary assessment was much less formal.
It was carried out in a play room with 3 other families so they could see how he behaved with other children.
He was observed by SALT, OT, Physio, PAED & Psych & they all dipped in & out to carry out some formal assessments. Each family had a play worker assigned who co-ordinated all the professionals to make sure each child was see by everyone.
We attended weekly for a number of weeks & it was followed up with a feedback meeting.
DS2 didn't have a clue he was being assessed & it wasn't too traumatic for us either!
Good luck & hope all goes OK

All the best, DS2 had his assessment two months ago, and yes it was gruelling. He saw an OT and PT together, then SALTs, then a SW, then a ped. Unknownst to us, till the end of the ssecond day, we were also being observed by more professionals through a mirror.

The assessing was brilliant (if not a little OTT), but the action that is needed to help DS2 hasn't really materialised (at least by the professionals that saw him).

So, we got a devastating "diagnosis", but the help isn't there. Resources may be better in your area (have no idea where you are) but should they find your DD needs help, be prepared for a long, tough fight...

Sorry can't be more positive!

All the best,

hello cktwo, we just sorted out a date for our son to have a similar assessment, it has been arranged by our salt and is just over a week away... I find going through this never ending process agony...

I told the salt I would be very uncomfortable being observed playing with my ds... to the point that I would be stressed and he would too(not exactly helpful for observation purposes).. I know this is not great but I just start crying in these situations, very overly emotional mummy that I am....

so atm .. the salt is going to play with him and we are going to observe with the other "concerned" professionals(with the option for me to be with him at any time...)

... oh and good luck with your dd's assessment, I hope it goes as well as it can...

Thanks everyone. Its so nice to hear other people dealing with the same emotions. I feel that we're alone in this process no matter how many professionals we see.

First assessment date is on the 5th so I'll let you know how it goes.