Brenda

Happy New Year to you all and thanks so much for all your feedback. I spoke to another parent in the hols whose son received no support at primary school but is now in a high school with an autism support unit and doing well. Although I can understand the need from the LEA's point of view for a school to prove a child is under performing, I can also see the reasons for pushing for a statement now once a diagnosis has been made, especially as it takes 26 weeks, by which time he will definitely be struggling with the expectation of increased independant learning. i'm going to visit a school with an autism support unit to understand what specialist help is on offer. I know that primary schools can access specialist support but assume they would need a statement in place to do so. Interesting point in IPSEA "There is no requirement that a child must progress through SA and SA+ to statutory assessment, although that may happen. A child may need help immediately at SA+ and may proceed immediately to statutory assessment." Sam, you asked what support he's receiving so far (no IEP in place yet) - he's receiving support with checking he's understood instructions and they've done some role play on social inclusion at playtimes. Good Luck with your son at your school. will keep you posted. Good luck to Mishmash too.

My 8 yr old has just been diagnosed with Aspergers. As he has had no disruptive behaviour issues at school and has achieved his expected levels his difficulties have never been picked up at school. The referral was instigated by me due to concerns re social skills, difficulty with social integration, clumsiness, processing instructions, high levels of anxiety in new/ unstructured situations, The paediatrician said he will need support all through school in several areas of difficulty. It's been suggested to me by a headteacher I know that he needs to have a statement to get him the support he needs through secondary. As the SEN processes are all new to me, can anyone comment on their experience e.g. from diagnosis at similar age and support required through primary and secondary ?