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Original poster

ADI appointment today

53 replies

debs40 · 26/05/2010 09:54

We've got the ADI today (Autism Diagnostic Interview. It's a standardised test - computerised I understand - which provides a diagnostic algorithm for autism (adding a brief explanation following our discussions last week!!).

Do I need to bring anything - red child development book/diary etc?

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Original poster
debs40 · 26/05/2010 20:43

I know Claw I had that too. When they called Autism Outreach in, she went through a list of things school were doing and it was all stuff I'd battled like hell to get them to do.

Trouble is, with teacher and SENCO present, you don't say 'yes, I had to drag them through the flames of hades to make them agree to that'. You just sit and say, 'yes, that has helped'.

Interesting thing about the ADI is that there was a lot of focus on traits now and what DS was like at 4or 5 and on a couple of occasions 3. Not sure whether that was the usual routine. Just seemed primed to let you say he was much worse, but now improved.

I had also thought it was computerised but it was all handwritten

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claw3 · 26/05/2010 20:48

Mine were all handwritten too. It was more like a history starting from birth and then just went upwards to present concerns. They asked things like when did i first have concerns etc, they didnt focus on 4-5.

Mind you ds was referred to Paed, SALT, dietitian when he was 2.

Did your 'concerns' start at about the age 4-5?

TheArsenicCupCake · 26/05/2010 20:55

Debs ( sorry for butting in) .. I learnt that those moments are exactly when you say ... I had to really push for school to do x y or z .. But I am thankful they have now done it... And yes things in that direction are working well... Is there anything you could suggest to school that might help with a b or c as I think these are areas we could be working on.... Don't you agree mrs teacher?

I know it sounds really abrupt, but it can be done politely.. And the thing is you really are speaking for your child, who you know best and make it known that you will push for these things.

I was told when I was being a nodding dog.. By a good friend of mine ( who is an sen parent govenor).. To be very proactive. I have a very good realationship with the school, but they do know I will be very very straight with them.

As you were... Just had to add my two pennies worth.

Original poster
debs40 · 26/05/2010 20:56

No. I just googled the ADI and apparently it says:

In addition to asking about current behavior, each question focuses on the time period when the behaviors were likely to be most pronounced ? generally, between the ages of 4 and 5 years.

That explains it then.

DS has been off the wall tonight with having my sister and nephew down to babysit while we went to the ADI. DH's work have now got shitty with him as he worked at home today and has had to ask to do the same tomorrow because I got the Ed Psych visit days mixed up (thought it was Friday when DS2 is in nursery).

I've also been warned about this ed psych by a local parent helper who is training for IPSEA.

Seriously, I am thinking of doing a bunk with my boys now for thhe last two days of term!! I posted elsewhere about us having our own Ed Psych in Sept and someone mentioned that she won't be able to replicate the tests which the LA Ed Psych does as it will be within 6 months. That kind of explains why SENCO has decided to rush a visit in.

Would I be mad?

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Original poster
debs40 · 26/05/2010 20:59

Arsenic...yes, see your point. I struggle on my own with it really and I always try to keep everyone onside but I should say what I mean more. Not that anyone listens!

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StarlightMcKenzie · 26/05/2010 20:59

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Original poster
debs40 · 26/05/2010 21:03

Thanks Star. I feel I'm walking in to the lion's den and that no one has done any preparation for this.

The school gave me forms to sign yesterday which were the same ones I signed a month ago. So the Ed Psych referral had not gone out, so she's not seen any of the reports.

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claw3 · 26/05/2010 21:05

Will EP be observing ds after speaking with you. Does she/he have copies of everything?

I saw EP last week, we chatted for an hour and i gave her copies of all reports, school had not given her anything. She was going off to read reports to see exactly what had already been covered by reports etc

StarlightMcKenzie · 26/05/2010 21:09

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TheArsenicCupCake · 26/05/2010 21:09

Debs you can do it and as said before go into client mode.

I also have ed psych meeting in a couple of weeks.. And although our school is good.. I am already sorting papers out for her that she needs to see, to be able to help ds.

claw3 · 26/05/2010 21:12

Debs, sorry x posted with you, she hasnt seen copies of anything yet then?

Ds's school have only got EP in, because i pressured them to do so and they can be seen to be doing something, after i applied for SA. They havent got EP in to help them, they have got EP in to try and prove me wrong.

claw3 · 26/05/2010 21:22

Also Debs when i went into to see EP, i armed myself with proof that school are not meeting ds's needs. Copies of my letters to the school, how they are failing etc. I have a crap relationship with school because i have challenged them.

I think you have to be prepared to challenge the school, when the EP gets involved. If you need time to prepare, have a sicky for your ds's and take your time. Dont go in unarmed.

StarlightMcKenzie · 26/05/2010 21:45

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StarlightMcKenzie · 26/05/2010 21:47

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Original poster
debs40 · 26/05/2010 21:56

Claw, did Ed Psych then go and observe your DS? Did you stay while he had the tests?

The plan I am told is for me to have half an hour with her and then for her to observe him. I asked if this meant assess and I was told yes. I have been told by the same friend who is an advisor that I can be there when she assesses too.

One of the Ed Psych's on her team did our Early Bird Plus course and she was great and I think because of the problems we were having with school and the advice and intervention we were getting from that team, the Ed Psych team probably know all about the school.

However, brass tacks time,she ain't going to say 'this child needs a statement' is she? Schools agree to call these people in to show that they're doing everything right.

I don't know why the idiot SENCO hadn't sent the form off.

The CAMHS psychiatrist we saw today was quite pleased that DS was seeing Ed Psych tomorrow and asked if we could ask her to send in her report asap so it could be at the panel. That and the 'everyone is managing DS fantastically' made me think we were heading for a whitewash after dx.

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Original poster
debs40 · 26/05/2010 21:56

Luv ya too Star...just thought you were becoming tired and emotional!!

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StarlightMcKenzie · 26/05/2010 23:17

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claw3 · 27/05/2010 07:46

Morning Debs, no she didnt (i have filled out the forms) but after the meeting with me, she wanted to read through all the reports and information i gave her.

No she isnt going to say 'this child needs a statement', but she is bought in to 'referee' if you like, which is why you have to prove that his needs are not being met. Im looking at the EP is just an extension of the LA who needs the same evidence.

Must dash feeding clinic appointment.

Original poster
debs40 · 27/05/2010 08:01

We're all grotty with colds this morning so I've cancelled. I have to say I've completely run out of energy.

I rang school and the Head answered. She sounded really disappointed and mentioned the Ed Psych immediately. Maybe they were looking forward to being vinidcated and putting me back in my box. I can't see that they were waiting to get help from her somehow.

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Original poster
debs40 · 27/05/2010 08:52

Claw, what worries me is that the Ed Psych is not there to referee but to ensure that the LA hear that a child's needs can be met by the school.

It could be that she will say school should do 'x,y and z' but the likely fact is that school will say we can do or already do 'x,y and z' and it will all be nicely agreed between EP and school.

The result? No one does anything in practice but it looks like it's been looked into.

I think there is every chance that in terms of strategies in the classroom that the EP will just tell the school they're doing everything they can. The only benefit is testing for SLDs or impairments with working memory etc which school are not picking up on.

That's my view as pessimistic as it is.

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claw3 · 27/05/2010 16:20

Debs, you are exactly right, unless a professional, any professional is going to do an independent needs assessment, they are there just to agree with school and 'referee' ie tell you his needs are being met. Which is why you have to prove that school are not meeting his needs and his needs need to be assessed for them to be met. (woo that was a lot of 'needs'!)

What you tell EP is basically the same as what you would say in your request for SA. You have to challenge the school provisions, show he is not making progress etc, etc.

Original poster
debs40 · 27/05/2010 17:15

We have had a lovely day instead Claw!! I can quite see why people home ed - I really can.

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Original poster
debs40 · 27/05/2010 17:25

Sorry, meant to ask, Claw, how did the feeding clinic go? Was it useful?

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claw3 · 27/05/2010 18:02

Thats lovely Debs, you needed a break, glad you had a good day

Feeding clinic was crap, i started a thread about it!

StarlightMcKenzie · 27/05/2010 18:22

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