Where do we go from here?

[Sparkles13]

Hello I'm hoping some more experienced mumsnetters may be able to advise/ help. I need help with what to do if the community pediatrician doesn't think there's any reason to persue a dx.

My son is in Year 1. He has been diagnosed by a private OT with developmental coordination delay (dyspraxia) & spd (sensory processingdisorder), private salt has diagnosed speech dyspraxia. He struggles with school - refusal, sensitive - easy to tears esp when trying to complete work, wears ear defenders and jewellery chews, struggles with assembly/Hall time (noise) and making friends - zones out a lot/ quiet however causes no behaviour issues at school ( but explodes at home.) Anyways we finally got a nhs pediatrician review (20 minute appointment over background/ history) and I explained my concerns - the pediatrician was quite dismissive and said he makes good eye contact, asked him to build a block of bricks then explained he follows instructions and doesn't display any mobility or dexterity issues with the bricks. I gave the private assessment feedback and the pediatrician told me they don't diagnose dcd on the NHS as it has a comobility with adhd & autism and she didn't believe he displays any signs of asd. I've been told to book another review with my gp if no improvement after six months.

Now comes the tricky part - I tried to make an appointment with the school senco to discuss how we can help him in school as he can't read or write (can mark make) and sent all the reports we have collected so far. The school have informed me that my son doesn't have a diagnosis of dcd as its not through the NHS pediatrician but are willing to help with any niggles he's having. I'm not sure where or who I'm meant to contact next - he's finding school & life really, really hard. I'm a bit lost & overwhelmed with it all - what are my next steps please?

Hello,

i am sorry to read about the position you are in, from reading it seems you are concerned that your child has difficulties in school and you think he is not well supported. Do you have a ECHP? Or a SEN plan? If not you can request yourself from your local authority, you do not need the school to support you. You should gather your evidence, documentation of support and send this off as soon as possible. It is not about your child diagnosis, it is about your child needs. ECHP will make sure your child is well supported in school whether it’s through speech therapy, 1:1 or having extra time for tasks and just in general would make a huge difference regarding his education. Your child is in year 1 so I don’t think this is something they will grow out of. I hope this helps, for guides check out IPSEA. All the best

Thank you Zoey that reply was very very helpful and informative. I'm going to write up a ehcp on Monday when I'm off from work- is it applied through the LA or school? Actually I'll Google that!

Yes my main concern(s) are him struggling with school, his general wellbeing and mental health - he's very anxious, sad and upset. It's very worrying.

Thank you it's nice to have a reply and being able to voice my concerns!

Support in school is based on needs, not diagnosis. What support is the school currently providing? They must make their best endeavours to meet a pupil’s SEN. I second requesting an EHCNA. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use to send to the LA. The coping ‘fine’ at school and exploding at home is known as the coke bottle effect and signifies there are unmet needs at school. When you say DS refuses school, how many days is he missing?

The NHS do diagnose DCD. You could request a referral elsewhere as a second opinion. Although many areas don’t diagnose SPD as a stand alone diagnosis.