social and communication difficulties

[JsMum]

What is the difference between Social and Communication Difficulties and ASD?

 

Js first draft statement has arrived and it states Josh has social and communication difficulties is this sufficient to show his ASD needs?

 

It isnt a bad first attempt at a statement but it is as leaky as a vegetable collendar.

 

So it needs some tweeks and alterations.

 

It has left Part 4 blank, is that a good sign?

 

JsMumx

[coolblue]

An ASD is defined as a 'significant' impairment in social and communicative behaviour plus restricted and repetitive behaviours. So technically, 'social and communication difficulties' would overlap with ASD but not include it completely.

 

Whether 'social and communication difficulties' is an accurate enough description of J's educational needs will depend on what needs he has. Some children might meet the criteria for a diagnosis of an ASD but their restricted and repetitive behaviours are not a major problem. For others, the restricted and repetitive behaviours might be the most challenging issue they face.

 

As for Pt 4, this is supposed to be left blank in a proposed statement, in order not to influence the parent's school preference.

 

cb

[chrissiefiddle]

i don't like the term social and communication difficulties - when abbreviated it is SCD

which for years has been the abbreviated term for sickle cell disease.

the potential for confusion is great, and shows a lack of awareness of special needs issues from those using it.

[baddad]

Hi Js mum -

 

presumably you're talking about the first draft of an amended statement? If the original statement said he had ASD then simply ask them to reissue the new one stating the same dx, or to explain the change.

The 'dx' specified on the statement will reflect the evidence presented to them (the LEA), so if the letters etc they have from Ed Psychs etc all refer to ASD then there's no reason to change it. If the letters etc they have all say 'Social and Communication Difficulties' then they will need professional evidence to make a change to that.

 

L&P

 

BD

[JsMum]

In his present statement it identifies Js ASD needs as well as his severe language impairments but the draft statement doesnt state any of his ASD needs, Just social and communication difficulties and they have dressed up his Receptive and Expressive language to be much more able than it really is, his Receptive is 1 percentile his Expressive is -4 way below 1 percentile, the draft statement doesnt illistrate his language impairment levels at all.

 

The Draft statement has also removed CBT therapy, and qualified SAL Sessions, other provisions are not quantified or specified also.

 

I wouldnt mind if it said Social and communication difficulties or ASD needs as long as his needs where been understood and met.

 

JsMumx

[baddad]

In his present statement it identifies Js ASD needs as well as his severe language impairments but the draft statement doesnt state any of his ASD needs, Just social and communication difficulties and they have dressed up his Receptive and Expressive language to be much more able than it really is, his Receptive is 1 percentile his Expressive is -4 way below 1 percentile, the draft statement doesnt illistrate his language impairment levels at all.

 

The Draft statement has also removed CBT therapy, and qualified SAL Sessions, other provisions are not quantified or specified also.

 

I wouldnt mind if it said Social and communication difficulties or ASD needs as long as his needs where been understood and met.

 

JsMumx

 

Then the new statement isn't an accurate representation of his needs, unless it's been drawn up on newly submitted evidence. Just compare the two docs, and where the old doc shows needs not covered in the new draft ask them to amend back to the old draft, or explain why. Make sure you do it all in writing to - phonecalls get forgotten

 

L&P

 

BD

[Sally44]

In his present statement it identifies Js ASD needs as well as his severe language impairments but the draft statement doesnt state any of his ASD needs, Just social and communication difficulties and they have dressed up his Receptive and Expressive language to be much more able than it really is, his Receptive is 1 percentile his Expressive is -4 way below 1 percentile, the draft statement doesnt illistrate his language impairment levels at all.

 

The Draft statement has also removed CBT therapy, and qualified SAL Sessions, other provisions are not quantified or specified also.

 

I wouldnt mind if it said Social and communication difficulties or ASD needs as long as his needs where been understood and met.

 

JsMumx

 

 

If this is an amended or re-assessed Statement ANY changes have to have been made by professionals and taken from their reports. If no professional has removed ASD as a diagnosis, or specified that any of the provision he previously had - that he no longer needs it - then the LEA are illegally removing it.

 

I would recommend you use an organisation such as IPSEA or Network 81 etc to look at the previous and proposed Statement and make suggestions.

 

LEAs are under alot of pressure to reduce costs. I am hearing of alot of SEN children suddenly having their Statements re-assessed and all provision stripped out of new Statements. If an LEA is of a mind to do that, then that is what they will do and that only leaves you with the Appeal to SEND route. But please follow that through so that the provision gets reinstated.

 

Any assessments levels should be included in the Statement. All needs and diagnoses must be included in section 2 and provision to meet each need must be quantified and specified in section 3.