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Second opinion?

Lorri642

Hi

My 11 year old son went for an ADOS test through CAMHS just over a month ago and I seriously think we need a second opinion. 

The reasons I think we need a second opinion are as follows. Please tell me what you think.

1. Got there expecting a psychologist, but just a Doctor who spent around 45 mins with us, didn't observe him doing anything as I had researched, no watching him read, play, do a puzzle, nothing. He asked a few random questions like if you had 3 wishes what would they be?

2. I had got to see CAMHS after going private and getting a 5 page report asking GP to reffer. He had been turned down before that. This report suggested/recommeded various things including an academic test. The doc we saw said he's not going to bother with that but gave no explanation. But with another breath said he thought he was probably dyslexic (which I don't agree with, I think it's his motor skills and SPD). My son struggles with writting, it causes melt downs. He has trouble leaving finger spaces, writes too big, writes some letters and numbers back to front. Looks very uncomfortable holding a pen or pencil and trying to write to the point that he just now refuses (he's now home schooled).

This doc went on to say he does not like to give diagnosis of autism and why did I want one anyway?

He agreed my son has severe anxiety, but wouldnt believe he had SPD (he defo has SPD) and said it may be anxiety that looks like SPD LOL!!

He told my son that he can "get over" anxious situations by being brave LOL again!!!

It is now well over a month since seeing this doc and he has not even written his report.

Firstly, am I justified in thinking I need a second opinion? and secondly, who do I need to ask for the second opinion? Do I go back to the initial CAMHS person or do I ask at the clinic I saw this doc?

Parents

  • Waiting for the report sounds sensible. You have time to clarify things.

    It can be really confusing with labels/diagnoses. Sometimes is doesnt always help to have a label; it is how one manages the challenges that matter- although sometimes it is very helpful to have a label (access to help, patient/family understanding). Sometimes diagnoses may change over time.

    I'm not sure where you are based, but it can be confusing as to who diagnoses what. Where we are, the diagnosis of ASD/processing disorders are made by the development centre - involving paediatricians, OTs, SALT.  Anxiety, depression,ocd etc diagnoses are made by CAMHS, and conditions such as dyslexia/processing/dyspraxia made by the educational psycholgist. In my experience, the educational psychologists in state schools seem to screen for such problems but a more thorough picture of any problems needs to be paid for. 

    It is a shame that these different organisations cannot operate more closely. One problem I found with my son who has social anxiety/asc, is that after 3 appointments at one place then 2 at another and still being at the stage of him having to answer questions/do tests with no diagnosis made/suggestions as to how he could be helped, he became very reluctant to come to further appointments.

    Good luck!

Reply

  • Waiting for the report sounds sensible. You have time to clarify things.

    It can be really confusing with labels/diagnoses. Sometimes is doesnt always help to have a label; it is how one manages the challenges that matter- although sometimes it is very helpful to have a label (access to help, patient/family understanding). Sometimes diagnoses may change over time.

    I'm not sure where you are based, but it can be confusing as to who diagnoses what. Where we are, the diagnosis of ASD/processing disorders are made by the development centre - involving paediatricians, OTs, SALT.  Anxiety, depression,ocd etc diagnoses are made by CAMHS, and conditions such as dyslexia/processing/dyspraxia made by the educational psycholgist. In my experience, the educational psychologists in state schools seem to screen for such problems but a more thorough picture of any problems needs to be paid for. 

    It is a shame that these different organisations cannot operate more closely. One problem I found with my son who has social anxiety/asc, is that after 3 appointments at one place then 2 at another and still being at the stage of him having to answer questions/do tests with no diagnosis made/suggestions as to how he could be helped, he became very reluctant to come to further appointments.

    Good luck!

Children
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