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Considering an ed psych assessment?

10 replies

LoxleyBarrett · 12/08/2014 08:50

We are considering a private ed psych assessment for our 7 year old DS and we're wondering how you go about finding a good one, what the process is, what they actually do and how much it is all going to cost (we live in the NW if that is at all relevant).

DS has always been a difficult little boy,but I am getting more and more worried about him and what the future might hold.

His main issues are:

  • Speech and language issues which he see a private speech therapist for (massive improvements in the last year and hoping for a Christmas discharge).
  • Significantly behind his peers at school (just about reading with support, written work haw to be fully supported). His teachers tell me that he wants to do well.
  • He has given up most of his sports recently.
  • Constant fighting with his brothers.
  • Running off when disciplined in any way - I am at the point where I don't want to take him anywhere.
  • A terrible temper which is getting worse.


On the other hand he is very independent, loves ballet, is great at practical problem solving, loves to help around the house, has a nice group of friends, can behave well at times. School have been fantastic, but he is at a small private school so as far as I know we will have to pay for any extras.

I'm not really sure what I am looking for with the assessment - I just feel we need to do something to help him and I don't know what. I'm exhausted with it all, treading on egg shells and mediating to keep the peace. The summer holidays have not been enjoyable and we have barely started the summer holiday homework.

I would be grateful for any advice at all.
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LoxleyBarrett · 12/08/2014 16:31

Quick bump in case anyone can help.

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PolterGoose · 12/08/2014 17:22

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LoxleyBarrett · 12/08/2014 17:31

Polter - I am a complete novice with this and don't know where to turn. I didn't even know such a thing existed. Will our GP refer or will I have a battle?

Today has been awful, DH and I are arguing about how to deal with him - I really don't know how much more I can take or our marriage can stand.

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PolterGoose · 12/08/2014 18:01

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autumnsmum · 12/08/2014 18:21

Funnily enough I was going to suggest a referral to cahms or indeed a paed as polter says , do pursue the nhs before paying and maybe ask the speech therapist to do a report as she works with your son good luck

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LIZS · 12/08/2014 18:25

The school SENCO will be able to advise you re. Ed Psych but agree worth getting into the NHS systems now regardless so you have that in progress. LA probably won't get involved but you can access a developmental paed, SLT, OT, and other support through that route.

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LoxleyBarrett · 14/08/2014 12:23

Thank you everyone for your help with this. I will give our GP a try, but I will speak to DSs SLT first. I've spoken to her about the problems we have with him before, but he always behaves very well for her!

It's the way it is switched on and off that puzzles me. He was having a particularly hard time at school after Christmas and I spoke to his ballet teacher to see what his behaviour was like for her. She said that he is a dream (yes, she used that word) and has an enormous amount of self-discipline for a child of his age - she really likes having him in the class as he is a calming influence on the girls. I find this so hard to reconcile with the boy I have at home.

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PolterGoose · 14/08/2014 12:27

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PolterGoose · 14/08/2014 12:28

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Ineedmorepatience · 14/08/2014 20:47

Hi loxley I can relate to what you are saying about turning behaviours on and off. My Dd3 has trained herself to appear "normal" in certain situations. Mainly school but also at out of school activities and with certain family members.

However, holding in her true self is incredibly hard work and she regularly falls apart after school and after certain social situations.

She was diagnosed with Asd when she was 9 and is very comfy with her diagnosis. She is allowing herself to be herself more and more and the meltdowns have reduced considerably.

School is still a big problem for her and it may always be but we will see.

As polter says, not saying your ds has Asd but it sounds as if there is somethinggoing on and I agree that an EP might not be that much help to you.

Good luck Smile

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