DS1 (8) - i am almost certain he has dyspraxia - what do i do now, and what can be done to help him..?

[josben]

DS1's teacher flagged this possibilty up at parents eveing weeks ago - he said and few things about his lack of co-ordinationa and his handwriting is appalling... His teacher said he would refer DS1 to the schools SENCO person but nothing has happened....

So I have made an appt at the doctors for next week as i have read that this is the quickest way to get a referral to see an OT. When I take DS1 to the doctors how can i explain to him why we're there without making him feel low about himself...?

He has always had difficulties forming realtionships at school and has just a couple of friends, he is also struggling to keep up with the work he does in class, (he was tearful this morning before school about that )

i read the dyspraxia symptons list on the website and he ticks the majority of the boxes. I just wish I'd done something concrete about this earlier, I have suspected about it for a long time.

We are currently going through a DX for DS2 who also has ASD. We initially made an appointment with his Paed thinking he would dx it, but no (although paed has said he does have dyspraxia )
You need to speak to school to get them to refer your DS1 to the OT (if the school has one).
Chase the school SENCO as well. CAn you speak to them personally?

Dyspraxia is a medical condition and so you need to get a medic to give a definate diagnosis - the OT can only say things like "Dyspraxic tendencies" (at least this is what I was told when DS2 was diagnosed).

Yes, a referral to an OT is a good start but the school SENCo needs to arrange for him to be seen by the Educational Psychologist as well (GP may be able to do this referral as well as OT referral). Ring the SENCo directly - they are often class teachers as well so go for just before/after school starts - and ask if you can meet. You will have to be pretty pushy and assertive to get the ball rolling.

There is an awful lot of help that can be provided to Dyspraxic children - my DS2 is 10 and doing well. He's been taught to touchtype and provided with a laptop, for example. So don't panic - with the right help, he will be fine

Just to clarify - on the back of the OT and Ed Psych reports, DS2 then saw a Community Paediatrician who was the person actually able to provide the diagnosis.

Thanks for your advice, i will see ds1's teacher today about it again.

Hassled, has your DS2 improved alot with the help? Did he have problems forming friendships at school?

Social skills are still a bit iffy - he is very eccentric, and doesn't pick up on non-verbal cues. I have to tell him if I'm cross/upset/whatever - my other DC just seem to know.

But his happiness/self-esteem really improved after the diagnosis - he doesn't blame himself for his problems anymore. His co-ordination is very poor - still walks on tiptoe a lot and falls over thin air at times. But he's learnt to ride a bike/tie shoelaces etc - it just took longer than it woudl for most kids.

Academically he's doing well - SATS (year 6) in the next couple weeks, and he's got both a scribe and extra time. And he has a good bunch of friends who tolerate his eccentricity - I am worried about High School though.

Did you feel happier after a dx for your DS? I feel a bit helpless at the mo - DS1 has always done well with his reading and maths -but i think that the problems with his handwritng will really hold him back so i will have to be a a bit more pushy like you said...

DS1 is quite quiet until his gets to know you - then he can be very excitable and sometimes behave quite silly and a bit immature... he also finds it difficult to articulate his thoughts and so i think that some of his friends just forget about him.

He had a cub parade yesterday and told me that no one would want to sit with him- and he thinks that they don't like him but he doesn't know why - he didn't seem to be that bothered - but i still felt v for him.

He has a very sweet and caring nature and is very affectionate to our family and close friends - i just wish i could do something to help him fit in more at school...

'Pushy' with the school to get him refferred i meant