How do I access an occupational therapist (UK)

I would like to know too 🥹

How old is your daughter? There’s different services depending on her age?

If ur daughter in or going to school n she have iep she will get it

Hi, she's 4 so just starting school in September, no iep

As it’s so close to her starting school I would ask to speak to the school SENCO and tell her about your concerns, everything will go through the school from there

It would be via gp, however be prepared for a lengthy wait and also an OT wouldn't give you a diagnosis you'd need a pediatrician on the case aswell, Also the NHS don't tend to asses kids with adhd untill 6yrs of age.

This is all we was told from birth of our son as he was premature at 24wks and I've had my suspensions since he was 6months old.

Even now we're still awaiting diagnosis as it can take time to gather info / evidence etc

Thank you both. In your experience is it possible to still get support before diagnosis pathway starting at 6?

Definitely get support as if you can get an OT on bored then they'll be able to give you strategies in place and also if she would need an ECHP it'll be evidence to help her case, perhaps at the school she attends/ due to start have a talk with the SENco- Have her nursery ever flagged any concerns up?

You can try browsing your local authority’s website. I’ve used an OT referral section before with the borough I used to work in.

It’s a myth that kids don’t get diagnosed until ‘x’ age. I have worked with children aged 4/5 with a diagnosis. You have to really push for it. You absolutely can get support before diagnosis anyways. If you speak to the SENCO they will observe your daughter in her class and if they agree with your concerns they will proceed with next steps and advice on what’s best to do, might be through an EHCP, which again you don’t need a diagnosis for but just helps outline what support she needs in school. It’s a difficult process and I’ve been through it with my own daughter. Literally banging your head against a brick wall trying to get people to listen to you and the paperwork is lengthy but it can be done! Getting referrals for things like speech and language or OT is lengthy but if your daughter gets an EHCP this can be incorporated into her provisions. Again it’s relentless but doable!

Yeah sounds about right I probably would hold off until about 3 anyways unless the child was extremely complex. But you can definitely get a diagnosis before 6, it’s just a pain going back and forth people telling you to wait. My daughter is autistic and I was told they wouldn’t diagnose her until she’s been in school and around 5 years old. I fought it and had her diagnosed with an EHCP in nursery just after she turned 3 and she’s not even that complex. They really just like to make life difficult! You just have to trust your gut as a parent!