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"Missing gap in services"

About: Lanarkshire Community Services / Adult Speech and Language Therapy

(as a parent/guardian),

My daughter was diagnosed with Autism last year and at the time the Paediatrician and Specialist Speech Therapist both suggested they thought she may also have Learning difficulties too. As the assessment they had done was not the correct one to determine if she had Learning difficulties, I was advised to request a cognitive assessment from her Educational Psychologist. This request was refused and I was informed that Camhs was the correct service to assess for this.

Our GP did a referral to the Camhs Disability Team in Motherwell where this referral was also refused. So currently I have a 13 year old who isn't accessing mainstream classes, working from a support base for a couple of hours per day but no professional willing to assess her for any Learning Difficulties or Disability so she has just to be left as she is? She has been behind for a few years, going with report cards and other paperwork within her SAR. She may be in the wrong school placement but how will we ever find out what level of understanding she is really at?

As her parent I believe this is also a barrier to her attending classes with her peers. I think it is disgusting that we are left in this position, no service willing to step up and do this even after it's been suggested by a highly respected health professional.  

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Responses

Response from Pauline Downie, Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services, NHS Lanarkshire 3 years ago
Pauline Downie
Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy Services,
NHS Lanarkshire

Speech and language therapy provides treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing.

Submitted on 12/02/2021 at 18:05
Published on Care Opinion at 18:05


picture of Pauline Downie

Dear apriltr47

I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties your daughter has been having accessing her mainstream classes.

It would be really helpful to know more about your situation and I would ask that you contact either:

Duncan Clark Clinical Director CAMHS on 01698 269651- leaving your contact details for a call back

OR me

Pauline Downie, Head of Speech and Language Therapy on 01236 794104 - leaving contact details for a call back

Kindest Regards

Pauline

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by apriltr47 (a parent/guardian)

I would like to thank Duncan for his time and offer of support regarding this. My daughter was offered a Specialist School Placement the day after our telephone conversation. This offer is in a smaller, quieter environment and I believe it will be the correct place to allow her to thrive and reach her full potential.

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