ADHD, ADD, Autism.

dori2o

It's been a few weeks since i was last on re this subject but we went to the doctors on Friday just gone (had to wait for an appointment as we wanted to see a specific doctor).

He has referred us onto 'Reflections', not sure who they are, and he seemed to suggest that there may be a problem. He has asked us to go into the school and just make sure there has been no bullying of her by other class mates as this coulod account for her behaviour.

So now we wait for the appointment.

Typically when my daughter was sat in the doctors office she was as good as gold, but 2 minutes before in the waiting room she was horrid.

I just hope we can get somewhere. It is really starting to affect my depression now, and my wife's blood pressure is sky high. We don't evenn try and take our daughter shopping anymore as she creates so much it's better to either keep her at home and my wife goes out shopping, or I take my wife and sit in the car with my daughter, that is how bad it is.

All we want is somebody to listen to us, and not fob us off.

Savvy_Sue

If there are problems at school, and the school do not seem to be wanting to investigate these and get her a statement, then it may be worth contacting IPSEA. Especially if there's a delay with the referral to Reflections - do you know how long that might be?

Spiderjonifer

After reading your post I felt that I must write ti let you know of an experience of my friend. They had a similar issue with their child. Difficult behavious and knew that there was something not quite right but found that there was not much support or general advice available to them. You appear to have found that the social services route to have been non productive.

My friend did pay for a private consultation after the GP said that he was not sure what he could do. This ended up going around in circles. Following the consultation a refferal was put in to the Childhood Disability Service. Here a group of Health Professionals observed the child over a week and then produced a report giving a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This led to a series of referrals to different agencies that were able to offer support.

As already advised refferal to a CAHMS service may be appropriate. Instead of going via social services it may be worth while going through the childrens disability team and the health route. Not sure of what it is called in you area but you should go back to the health visitors and ask them for their imput. One thing to bear in mind is not to be fobbed off.

Try contacting the Nationl Autistic Society. Their website has tons of info and may provide you with a lead.

The school I would expect be able to offer some point of contact but may need to be pushed. Educational Psychology appears to work much more slowly that Clinical Psychology.

Also worth remembering that if you have a recognised disability you are protected under the Disability Discrimination Act 19995. Here resonable adjustments have to be made to accomodate need.

You can also self refer to Social Services for a carers assessment. This is a requirement under law. This may help if you need to apply for subsequent funding in the future if a need is identified.

Good Luck.