ds being refered to child psych, what to expect

[yawningmonster]

I am not in uk but would still like feedback on what an initial assessment is like...will they interview us without ds, will they come here and observe him, will we go in with him or a combination of all of these??

Here (US) it would depend what the referral is for but usually you all go to the Dr's office and he/she sees you together and, depending on the age of the child/ type of problem, will see the child and/ or parents separately.

They would speak to you on the phone first and may come to your home after the initial consultation.

Good luck

thank you a mum at playgroup introduced herself at playgroup as a child psychologist and asked if I needed any support with ds and when I said yes suggested an assessment would be of benefit. He has some behavioural issues, unusual play and social difficulties. From my understanding she was going to actually refer us to one of her colleagues but was not sure what to expect a letter, a phone call etc and what assessment would be like. I would be most concerned about taking him somewhere as although they could observe him in full throes he would find it very difficult and traumatic.

I feel a bit uncomfortable about someone offering their (presumably) to be paid for services in this way. I would be more inclined to look for a developmental paediatrician and/or speech therapist to assess him than a child psychologist. Speech therapists look at all sorts of social and communication skills as well as speech.

My son has only been seen by an educational psychologist not a clinical psychologist (when he was assessed for autism, because of language delay), so I can't really help you much with what to expect, but if your son is having social difficulties then it would be good if whoever assesses him could observe him at nursery/school to see how he deals with that situation.

Yawning, I find it a bit odd that she introduced herself and suggested a referall. Of course, you were there and know the situation but I don't think I'd be very pleased. I assumed a doctor or teacher had suggested something to you.

An Ed Psych would usually observe the child in the classroom. A clinical pysch would work differently.

Whatever happens, I hope you get some help

Good luck.

Yawning monster. I think it is terrific that this lady came and made such a positive suggestion. She took a huge chance in doing so - you might have turned around and told her to mind her own business - and then she would have had to face you every day at the school gate. I wish all professionals were like this.

Perhaps now it is time for you to take control though? Perhaps you could go to your own doctor and update him/her and find out what the normal process is in your country for someone in your position? Once you're up to speed, you can make your own decision about the next step. But I think you are really lucky to have found an ally in a situation where many mums just encounter gossip and bitchiness . I think you should appreciate the lady's help but take things forward on your own terms.

thanks lingle, I am so incredibly pleased that she took that risk as dh and I were very much in the do we/don't we take this further, is this our parenting style, etc, etc. I got a call the other day saying we could have an appointment with a developmental specialist (so she on my agreement has put the wheels in motion) and that we all go in as a family to see them initially. It is covered under our medical insurance so no need to worry on that count and I know that was not her agenda as she said would I prefer her to put us into the Special Education system which would be free but likely to take a long time or would we like to see someone privately. I am really pleased as they can see ds and see the way we are with him and tell us what we need to do to improve, whether it is all just part of parenting or whether there is something else we need to explore. I think my biggest fear is them saying something like "Oh there is nothing wrong here at all, just keep going the way you are" as I think I either need different strategies or I need to know that ds works in a certain way and the best way to meet his needs is to understand him more fully. In other words I am scared of a complete brush off.

Ooh good sounds positive. Those close observations you were making on the other thread should be enough to ensure you don't get a brush off. You could even print off the thread (the first response was forthright as I recall which would help show how other parents are reacting) just in case you dry up at the assessment itself.

I'm seeing a paediatrician on Monday about my own son and had a quick meeting today with nursery teacher about her concerns/what she wants from the paediatrician. It was all a bit weird for reasons different to yours but very helpful to hear what the teacher would say and ask for if she had direct access to the doctor. You could perhaps have a word with your teacher too? Good luck.