Referral to Child Psychologist?

[ALMummy]

Have posted before but I think my thread title was dull so not many people looked at it. Took DS to GP today after some concerns were flagged up at his teacher re repetitive play and poor focus and eye contact basically saying without saying that they are concerned about possible ASD/Aspergers. Told my GP of these concerns and asked to be referred to a Developmental Paediatrician. She has referred DS to a Child Psychologist. Is this right? All advice I have recieved on Mumsnet has said that I should ask for referral to a Developmental Paed. Is this the same thing? Just worried we are going down the wrong road. Why would she refer to a child psychologist? He was quite talkative with her, which surprised me and from what I could see she was only referring him from information given by me not his behaviour. Really worried, please any opinions or information would be welcome.

No it is right. My ds was dx by a Child Psycholoist from CAMHS. They are qualified to dx Autism/Aspergers.

Yes its pretty much standard practice.

If teh school are concerned they may be asking for a referral to Education psychology too.

Developmental Pead will be part of the overal service at the Child development centre or Camhs.

tbh at this early stage a referral to anyone is a positive step. the Psych may decide that she is not needed but that he may be best servbed by seeing someone else, in which case she can refer.

Thank you so so much for your replies. Not able to sleep for worrying about everything last night.

School are referring to an Ed Psych but we wanted to be very proactive and involved every step of the way so went to our GP as well. We dont want this to be something that is just happening to us. Through our GP we can chase things up. If we leave it to the school it is all done at their pace. Thanks again. Sure I will be back, you are all so knowledgeable and helpful on this board. Sometimes just feel I am floundering around in the dark.

My other big concern is that he is 5 and this is the second time concerns were raised about DS but the first time we just thought that he needed a bit of time to come on. We never saw any problems at home. I am scared that those involved now are going to think that we didnt care or couldnt be bothered and that could just not be further from the truth.

Almummy you have gone to the Gp and got a suitable referral and your son is still only 5! You have done exactly what a caring proactive parent would do, and surely that is what others will see! We all get bouts of misplaced parental guilt - and worry we should have done more- or less! Your Gp obviously saw a concerned caring Mum and took your concerns seriously - well done!

Do also look at the GAPS protocol.
If you want to talk to someone my sister specialises in children with these concerns.