Got date for MDA - what to expect now/next?

[Veebs21]

Hi all,

Found out my DD (3.5yo) will be having her multi-disciplinary assessment on 26th April. It’s come a bit quicker than I was expecting, but trying to see that as a good thing!

Assuming she gets a diagnosis, what can we expect next? And how is an EHCP decided? I was thinking that diagnosis and EHCP come hand in hand but reading here I can see that’s not always the case - what’s the criteria to get one, generally? She isn’t due to go to school til Sept 2023.

Any other things I should look out for or ask about? I’m reading as much as I can but it’s still a minefield of info!

I think she is suspected ASD but potentially ADHD or ASD with ADHD traits x

You don’t need a diagnosis for an EHCP, they are based on needs not diagnosis. The threshold for a needs assessment is relatively low - a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need SEN provision to be made via an EHCP. IPSEA has a model letter (and lots of information) on their website. SOSSEN is also a good resource. You should apply for one as soon as you can in case you need to appeal, which many parents do.

Sadly, many DC are diagnosed then promptly discharged. Ask if your area run the EarlyBird course or similar. If the MDA doesn’t include SALT and OT assessments ask about referrals to those.

Thanks so much I will look all of that up. She had four sessions of NHS SALT (who suggested a referral to paed) and was down for a review now-ish, but that SLT is now considering handing over to MDA team now she’s heard that’s happening (SLT has been “invited” apparently but no mention of OT this whole time).

In some areas you can self refer to OT. Not all areas offer sensory OT now. But with an EHCP you can secure more SALT and OT (including sensory OT even in areas that don’t offer it on the NHS) than is otherwise typically available.

Have you applied for DLA?

@Imitatingdory

In some areas you can self refer to OT. Not all areas offer sensory OT now. But with an EHCP you can secure more SALT and OT (including sensory OT even in areas that don’t offer it on the NHS) than is otherwise typically available.

Have you applied for DLA?

That's good to know, thank you. I'll look up OT self-referral.

I hadn't applied for DLA, I assumed we wouldn't be eligible. I'm not sure how "affected" (sorry if that's not the right phrasing, I'm still learning) a child had to be to get it. She is verbal, attending mainstream preschool... her traits are limited conversational language and interest in other kids, repetitive behaviours and fleeting attention - preschool say she struggles to "access the full curriculum" due to her lack of ability/interest in concentrating on things that aren't in her narrow interests (puzzles, construction activities, outdoors play).

I think you would be surprised at what support you give DD that ‘counts’ for DLA. Do apply and use the Cerebra guide to help you complete the form.

@Imitatingdory

I think you would be surprised at what support you give DD that ‘counts’ for DLA. Do apply and use the Cerebra guide to help you complete the form.

Ok I'll look into it (and everything else!) Thanks so much for your messages, really appreciate it x