Could someone point me in the right direction please

[CrackerNut]

Hope it is ok to ask this here.

If I wanted my Ds (6) to be tested for APD and Dyslexia, how do I go about it ??

He doesn't have an IEP or a statement and his school haven't suggested it.
If I suggested it to them I am unsure what their response would be but would say they'd probably think i was over reacting.

Any advice appreicated, thanks.

I think, firstly, insist the school gets an educational psychologist to assess him. That will hopefully determine if he has any particular problems or needs in a learning environment. You can also go to your GP, explain your concerns and ask them to refer your son to a development or community pediatrician. He will also need to be assessed by an audiologist for hearing test.

May I ask, what are your reasons for wanting him assessed?

Thanks

Basically my reasons are that he is behind in every area of school but particularly reading, writing, spelling. His short attention span and the fact that he doesn't/can't listen is affecting his work as he doesn't understand what he is being asked to do and can't remember or follow instructions unless the instruction is very short.

He is starting to hate school as in his words 'i can't do it, it is too hard' and is also starting to get into trouble for being disruptive.

His current teacher recently said to me 'we do realise that alot of what Harry does is just because he's Harry'. Thats great, that means she gets him, and I have always said that to teach him, you do need to get him, but what if next year his teacher doesn't get him ? To me, the fact that you need to 'get him' in the first place makes me feel as though something is wrong.

My GP isn't very good and tends to brush most things off so would I be best to get the school invloved first ? I think with their suport my gp would then listen.

I don't know if I am being OTT, all I do know is that I have had concerns for a while now and however hard I try to convince myself that he is fine and it's just his age etc, there is always that thought there at the back of my mind making me think that actually something isn't right.

My DD2 has SPD, and APD is the main problem. Our OT assessed her and put the appropriate treatment in place. We got to our OT when the paed referred us. HTH

might be worth asking for hearing test and SALT referral just to fully check out possible reasons for finding it hard to deal with instructions. Also have you spoken to the senco yet?

Thanks for the replies, sounds like I need to see my gp then.

I think before I do that I will speak to his teacher.

Can I ask to have an informal chat with the schools Senco or can you only do that if his teacher thinks there is a problem ??

I am am veering between thinking I am right to thinking I am over reacting today.

Meant to add that he passed his hearing test that they do in Reception.

Basically when giving him instructions, I always have to make sure he is looking at me, otherwise there is zero chance of him understanding me.

I suspect you are not over reacting at all but ime the school are very unlikely to help much or show much interest