Can Anybody Recommend someone to provide a good assessment of my sons needs?
Hello,
I have a general diagnosis of ASD for my son age 5. However there has been no further offer of support, and since Easter he has been having a particularly difficult time at school, such that he is on the border of fixed term exclusions (and actually I am only thankful they haven't happened already, as I cannot deny given the behaviour that the school would be justified). School are considering statementing, and already providing 15+ hours out of their own budget. The specialist support teacher has also visited the school a number of times since Xmas and has been really good in providing the school with general ASD advice, and they have put a number of things in place like visuals etc. However, despite all this, although academically he is doing great, his behaviour is probably worse! I actually suspect he is more PDA, but personally am not sure this would be a helpful diagnosis for him to have on his record. I hate to hear about him/see him get in such a state about school. He used to really enjoy going, now he hates it.
I would like to get him fully assessed. The paediatric assessment I had for the diagnosis was based only on recorded behaviours, and some questionnaires I and the school filled out, and the Paed spending at maximum 10 mins with my son, so hardly comprehensive. I would like someone to look at him fully, and identify his strengths and weaknesses, and information on how he should be managed to ensure his mental well being. Each child with autism presents differently. I expect I should be looking for a private education psychologist - but any advice or recommendations would be gratefully received. I expect it will be expensive, and want to ensure I use the right professional.
Thanks.
Re: Can Anybody Recommend someone to provide a good ...
Hi there, just to say our situation was slightly different but we had a private assessment for my son when he was six, with a psychologist called Vivian Burden - i can definitely recommend her, but she is not an ed pscyh - although she could probably recommend a good one if she thinks that is what you need. . We had an initial consultation when we gave my son's background and history and then she saw him 5 times i think doing various tests etc before writing a thorough report. It was only after i had the report that other agencies started to listen and we got him diagnosed at the Brookside Clinic officially after that. Hope that is one lead you can follow anyway - and good luck.
jude
Re: Can Anybody Recommend someone to provide a good ...
I am not sure how this kind of diagnosis happened! If I were you, I'd go back to the GP and say you want a referral for a full diagnostic assessment (which at the very least should include a lengthy peadiatric assessment, a psychological assessment, and an educational (NOT his teachers, but a specialist) assessment. Don't ask, tell. I believe the waiting lists are around five months at the moment (how crap is that?) but at least you would be in the system again and you might be lucky. From what you say, I'd think a Statement application is also a must.
In terms of PDA, I think many experts feel that it is just one way of how some autism presents, rather than a separate condition; as Simon Baron-Cohen insists, any autism diagnosis is only worthwhile if it has some value to the person with the condition or the people who care for him or her, if there is something to be gained. Of course, gain can mean simply being able to live comfortably with yourself, but that's by the by. What I mean is, I think you're right not to go down the route of worrying about nuance at this stage.
Sorry I can't be of help in recommendations re private assessments, as I know nothing whatsoever of them, but I hope someone else might be along soon with more useful advice.
Thinking of you,
Caron