Hi Hagabel
I remember seeing you around before, happy to hear your move will soon happen - good luck with it!
In terms of what my son 'gets' I think we've been lucky with his school. They were the 1st to highlight the issues and this is what happened:
- Literacy Enrichment programme (run by & provided by the school) for approx. 2 terms
- The school recommended a Behavioural Optometrist who assessed him and gave us a programme to do at home. (Paid for by us)
- The school referred him for RTLB (Resource Teacher: Learning & Behaviour). He got 3 terms input from them (no cost to us).
- The RTLB recommended physio & an OT to go to, she had no space and recommended another OT who had trained with her. Our son was assessed by her and has been having treatment with her (generally 30min per week) since then (over a year). (All paid for by us).
- We asked for a diagnosis from the OT who suggested a pediatrician as OTs are not allowed to give formal diagnosis.
- He was seen by the Pediatrican (BIG cost paid for by us) who verbally told us he has Moderate Dyspraxia, Mild Aspergers and Mild ADD but didn't put those words in his written report. All he would commit to in writing was Mild PDD, Global learning difficulties and DCD/dyspraxia. He also recommended an Educational Psychologist review.
- DS was seen by Ed Psych (BIG cost paid for by us), we got a written report and a follow up meeting with the Ed Psych, us & DS's teacher.
The main reason we pushed for a formal diagnosis was that we wanted to apply for the Child Disability Allowance through WINZ (Work & Income) but we were turned down. We tried to get the decision overturned by going to a Full Medical Review board but were again turned down. They did, however, suggest getting our GP to refer DS to the local District Health Board in the hope of getting some free or subsidised treatment through them. Given that DS already has a good working relationship with an OT we haven't followed this up yet.
This is our experience (so far)!
To be perfectly honest I'm not sure what you would automatically get for your son (if anything) or who you'd need to talk to. Maybe WINZ would be the place to start or his school if he is school aged when you arrive. Sam B might be able to help as she is a SLT.
Thanks for pointing out that website, I'll have a noisy around and all the best for your move.
Cheers,
Mrs. B.