[aleloudou]

Hi,

My 5yr old son has been diagnosed with OCD, Elective Mutism, Dyspraxia, Hypermobile Joint Syndrome, Social Anxiety Disorder and Sensory Perception Disorder. But we have just had our first mental health assessment today by two OT's from tier 2 CAMHS and they think it may be Autism, (which is what our GP said initially!) They also think he will need referring to tier 3 CAMHS.

Living with him is really hard work especially as he has 2 brothers (7 and 4 years old). I have just handed my notice in at work as working is not fitting in with home life and constant appointments with various health professionals!

School are ignoring his problems and say he's just naughty or have 'seen worse'! They didn't even bother telling me when he had stabbed a girl just under her eye with a pencil, I had to get collared by her mother in the playground! Even our OT has had enough of the school as they aren't co-operating. My son is very bright and is reading well above his age and the school seem to think that as he's bright he can't have any real health problems despite letters from our Pead and OT!

Sorry if this sound like a real moan but I'm running out of energy and fight, the problems with diagnosis, the school, and generally getting anyone to listen to me have been going on for over a year and his behaviour is getting worse. Is anyone in a similar position does anyone have a similar child? I need words of hope and wisdom please!!!!

[Speeds]

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

This is just the place to rant and moan and rave and do all the things that are just not always possible elsewhere.

The school needs to be shot.  I am guessing that your other two children are there so you would not want to move him to a more "educated" school.

I am sure you have spoken to the SENCo but if not make an appointment.  Try to get help in statementing him.  While I know it feels like a label if he needs help then he will get it with a statement.

If you can send him to a more sympathetic school then do.

In the meantime get to know the others in his class - parents and kids and be honest with them.  Tell them the difficulties you are having with the school without being too negative and also ask them to report anything that is out of order.  I know that writing this down seems harsh and if we were face to face it woud be better but without telling tales you need to know and if the school wont do it then you need to get parents on your side.  You will soon weed out any HURTFUL parents and you will find that most parents will like you to reciprocate.

Ask for the good and the bad and be prepared to do the same for others.

I had 3 years at the wonderful school Thomas is at with the same teacher who has had 5 kids and of course hers were perfect.  She was a nightmare but now I have a much better relationshiop with the current teacher and this really helps.

Good luck and remember you can also ring up the council - I am sure they will have spomeone who will help.

[bigshabba]

You name it i have heard it about my child! at 4 he has mental age of a 2 yr old yet he is TOO HIGH FUNCTIONING for special school? he is still in nappies so the school want to install a hoist for him for sept intake??? On his statement half way through there is another little GIRLS name on it? the statemant is issued from the education dept yet the spelling mistakes and missed words are terrible, and yet i am meant to intrust my child to these people!! i asked you?? how am i meant to have any faith? 2 yrs later and still waiting for a diagnoses! and to top it off he has been being seen by all these proffessionals for over 2 years and it has only just come to light that he is hugely stigmatic and moderately long sighted, i.e everything is a blur!!! I think i have actually lost the will to live!!!
As much as i need to be away from my son when he goes to school in sept i feel physically sick every day at the thought of leaving him in anyone elses care, and its seems to be getting worse the closer it gets.... I really do feel for anyone with a child with any extra needs.... yet i love him so very much   xxxxx

[paula]

Hi!

Speeds has given some great advice here - thanks. If ever I have an argument though, I want you on my team please! It is so obvious that you love your son and you sound so determined to do the best for him. Do you have anyone that can support you so that you do not have to do this all alone - a Social or Key Worker for example? It definitely sounds as though education have been slack at the very least (being polite here!) and it makes me really cross when they treat our children like case notes rather than real people. I really do feel for you and please use Special Families as a good old sounding board!

Paula x