Second opinion?

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
  • Thankyou Spirit, Yes I will wait for the report for total clarity. Im in Cornwall. The ADOS test was performed by CAMHS. I use the term "test was performed" very loosley :0 Others here have told me, he should of been seen over time, not just in and out in one session, as their children were. When I get the report, If it states the things I think it will ie what he was saying to me, then I will go back to the initial CAMHS lady we saw and explain my concerns to her. Yes, it's much more than geting a label to me, it's future services/resources etc. He is now home schooled as was too anxious to go to school anymore so educational psychologist is probably not an option. 

Reply
  • Thankyou Spirit, Yes I will wait for the report for total clarity. Im in Cornwall. The ADOS test was performed by CAMHS. I use the term "test was performed" very loosley :0 Others here have told me, he should of been seen over time, not just in and out in one session, as their children were. When I get the report, If it states the things I think it will ie what he was saying to me, then I will go back to the initial CAMHS lady we saw and explain my concerns to her. Yes, it's much more than geting a label to me, it's future services/resources etc. He is now home schooled as was too anxious to go to school anymore so educational psychologist is probably not an option. 

Children
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