Saneasever Report post Posted June 5, 2011 Hi everyone. I'm hoping somebody reading this will be able to help me, because I can't find any info. online. My daughter (A. 9yrs old) is due to see an educational psychologist as part of her statementing process, but I've got a problem with this. In a nutshell, my daughter was originally going to see a female who 'is great with kids on the spectrum' (so a professional involved with my daughter enthused to me). She went on to say she's spent x number of years working with her and how I had nothing to worry about as A. would be fine with her. This did not happen. The school told me I would have to wait as she was not taking any new referrals until after the new financial year. The new financial year started and I was told she's no longer available - all ed. psychs have had a shift around and you've got somebody new we know nothing about (says school head to me). Same professional as before speaks with me later in the week (once I've found out who new ed. psych. will be). She's VERY disappointed. Only worked with him once but he doesn't get 'kids on the spectrum'. Couldn't see the needs (of a high functioning case she had) and turned down statementing twice. Can I refuse him and request the woman we were supposed to have? My daughter (and husband and myself) have had a rough year as I was accused of abusing her prior to hospital realising she was on the spectrum - 'you're child's fine. She's only an issue around you' - that kind of thing. They have to be VERY careful with her at school in terms of which teachers do and don't work with her. (Big school - A. doesn't cope when her teacher's not around but he can't always be there). It's not just the fact that this guy hasn't got a good track record - I'm worried he's the wrong person to be seeing A. in terms of upsetting her and the added psychological stress he may cause. She's a delicate soul now more than ever before. What can I do? Review of first IEP is this Tuesday and we're still waiting on a date to see ed. psych. Can I refuse him or not? Can I request her instead, or will we have to go privately? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
av16 Report post Posted June 5, 2011 Hi, as a senco I can let you know what happens in my area - you are stuck with the EP allocated to the school. The HT can ask for another EP but it doesn't seem like this would happen for you? The EP report is important but as they will be looking at her needs if she doesn't respond well it could act in her favour? She may be considered to require more support? Sorry I'm not much help am I? Hopefully someone can be more help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sally44 Report post Posted June 6, 2011 (edited) EP's and SALT's are allocated certain schools. It maybe as already said, that your daughter may respond negatively to this EP, and that could be positive or negative regarding what he would identify as a need and make recommendations for. You can phone the EP department and you can speak to the original EP you were expecting to see your daughter. You can ask if she could assess and you can give your reasons why. You can ask if the new school EP is experienced and qualified to assess and diagnose children with ASD. He may not be. Although schools usually do have set professionals - my son see a different SALT that doesn't even fall within our LA. She is a specialist SALT. EPs are different because they are employed by the LA. But I think it is worth asking. Whatever happens you do need to let them see and assess your child. You need to be seen to be cooperating. In extremely difficult cases it is known for parents to ask that they sit in on assessments. You can be there, it is a parental right. But again you have to consider how that might influence the assessment. If I were you I would phone the other EP and see if she could assess. If there is any reason why you think your daughter needs this particular EP, then write it down and discuss it. It maybe that her difficulties are not immediately obvious and you feel that a more experienced EP is needed, or that she responds better to women than men etc. Check the credentials and experience of the other EP. Then just let them get on with it. If the report is not good - and alot of them are not very good. You may have to get an independent report anyway. But best see what the LA/NHS professionals come up with first. There is plenty of time for you to get your own reports later on if you need to. What is more important than just WHO does the assessment is WHAT assessments they do. You want to be sure that they use standardised assessments (British Ability Scales II, WISC, Weschler, WYATT etc). And if you suspect she has any SpLD that they assess for that too. Also ask about an Emotional Literacy Programme that will teach her to recognise her own emotions and the emotions in others. Edited June 6, 2011 by Sally44 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jollypig Report post Posted June 7, 2011 you are basing your preferences on someone elses opinions , give the guy a go . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted June 7, 2011 (edited) I agree with Jollypig. If you refuse permission for a particular EP to see your child, they cannot go against your wishes. However it's unlikely you will get someone else. It's difficult enough anyway as EP's are in short supply and are allocated to a school but I don't think your reasons - i.e. that you've heard second hand that the EP isn't much good, will carry any weight. No harm in asking for the original EP. However if that's not possible, try this chap out. He may be OK. If his report is not helpful, you may need to get an independent professional report . K x Edited June 7, 2011 by Kathryn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
