Private physio referral/second opinion on developmental delay?

[Tweedledont]

DS (just over two) isn't walking and has had some physical delays after being born at 30 weeks (reason unknown).

He has lots of problems with his transitional movements (laying down to sitting, he still can't do, for eg). He is very very close to walking and has been for around 8 months but he doesn't have the balance. Only in the last two months has he learned to crawl.

He has been having lots of physio through the NHS (although it took them quite some time to admit there might be a need for it) and after two months of twice-weekly 1-2-1 physio sessions he seemed to come on in leaps and bounds. But now he's on a 'break' from them, to be seen again in September.

I really feel like we need a second opinion. I suggested the possibility of him having cerebral palsy last month, for which he has an appointment at the neurology dept at a local hospital (we are in central london).

I want to either get him some private physio, or at least a second opinion on why he is having these problems and get him some more help.

What's the best way? Referral through GP? Gp appts are like gold dust round here. I've seen the Portland has a children's physio team which looks good from their website but I don't want to pick somewhere based on a google search.

Any ideas?

[cestlavielife]

fab physio in Willesden www.theclarencecentre.org/

[Tweedledont]

Oh thank you, I've given them a call, left a message.

Anyone else have any other recommendations/ideas?

[orangepudding]

You could get him assessed by an occuational therapist. I did that for my son as he has some motor difficulties.

[EyeoftheStorm]

I was going to suggest an occupational therapist too. DS2 was born at 30 weeks - he has low muscle tone and his physical development is about a year behind (he's 5 now).

We've had an occupational therapist for the last 9 months - weekly and she comes to the house - works out a bit less than going to a central London physio. He has made enormous strides with her - just had his nursery sports day and the only thing he couldn't do was the sack race which I don't consider a life skill!

I found my physio through this website: //www.cotss-ip.org.uk

[Tweedledont]

Brilliant. Thanks you two. Great to hear about your DS sports day prowess Eyeofthestorm, that brings me hope. I will take a look at that site tonight. He has already been assessed by the OT through the hospital, hence the physio we have had, but another opinion would be great.