Best way of dealing with the educationalists is to speak to them in their own silly language where 'unstructured time' = play time and dinner time. They like that. The thing that really gives you th edge in your dealings with the tossers school / LEA is to read and learn the SEN COP. If you can quote chapter and verse to them they really do sit up - especially if you can quote some of the more obscure guidance such as DfES Circulars etc.

That's how to fight them back - make them realise that you're not an acquiescent parant but one who knows --as much-- probably more about SENs than they do.

I want that course! Where do I get it?

(am I being assertive enough with you?)

Enigma, did the course help I mean to get heard by profs?

Hey Magso,
Iv'e also done an assertivness course to help deal with profs lol.

'I fantasise over winning the lottery just so we can leave the NHS and all behind and go private.'.....me too!

I would say goodbye to all these waiting lists and pedaling round in circle NHS approach. Would get a private dx for DS, and get him private therapy, and a place with a 1:1 in a good school of my choice.

One can dreammm...

My fear is that one day I will grab some unfortunate nonlistening professional by the shoulders and shake them whilst shouting YOU WILL LISTEN to ME! ( PS I have booked myself onto an assertiveness course for sn parents dealing with professionals so do not fear!)

Borderlass thats appalling - I have a lot of sadness over lost years too! I cannot even blame myself I was saying these things years ago - I was just not listened to. Ds (10) LD were only documented because we took out a loan to get a private assessment. We keep coming up against the 'we prioritise young children' ( but not my ds when he was'young') or he is too old to treat now' too.

I do tell everyone the truth now but this is due to me having left several review meeting in tears when my son was younger, I've learnt to fight for my sons rights he's now 15 and JUST been diagnosed as having learning disabilities this year despite being in a special school since nursery.I had a sensory profile done yesterday and it came out that loads was missed when he was younger and if it had been addressed at the time would of prevented both him and me having many meltdowns over the years ,I nearly walked out on the lot of them in September because of it.

Agreed,i would soooo love to speak my mind,they'd probably think i was having a nervous breakdown though and whip all my children away if i ever did 'cos i'm always so polite . I have a hole in my tongue from years of biting it.
The services that are supposed to help me with the kids often cause me way more stress than my kids do. The kids are the easy bit as far as i'm concerned.
I fantasise over winning the lottery just so we can leave the NHS and all behind and go private.
I often feel like telling everyone to F off,mostly when i'm being patronized but at many other times too lol

its like a fantasy isn't it. Open your mouth and let it all come out
Starting with wanker social services...

im really pissed off with biting my tongue for everyone... wonder what would happen if i actually said some of the things that are running through my mind during some conversations