Is ASD a SEN 26 March 2018 at 11:03AM in Marriage, relationships & families 6 replies 1.1K views

JuzaMum

Hi
I am hoping someone can answer this for me. My daughter has recently been diagnosed with ASD. I have been handed a pile of information on support groups/information. Some things are only open to children with SEN. She doesn't have a EHCP. Is ASD a SEN?
thanks

MataNui

Yes. You need to discuss your childs needs with the school. ASD is also classed as a disability so grants your child additional legal protections.

sujac

Yes ASD is an additional need. You need to talk to the school and get an EHCP in place so she has the support. I work with a boy who has ASD and we had a care plan in place before he was officially given his diagnosis.

Our school has access to a specialist teacher for autism who visits to give us advice on how to approach things. Last year they ran a course for parents which was lovely as it gave us all a chance to exchange ideas for dealing with some of the difficulties they may experience in life. It also gave a chance for parents to start to create their own support networks.

maman

sujac wrote: »

Yes ASD is an additional need. You need to talk to the school and get an EHCP in place so she has the support. I work with a boy who has ASD and we had a care plan in place before he was officially given his diagnosis.

Our school has access to a specialist teacher for autism who visits to give us advice on how to approach things. Last year they ran a course for parents which was lovely as it gave us all a chance to exchange ideas for dealing with some of the difficulties they may experience in life. It also gave a chance for parents to start to create their own support networks.

Of course, it's worth talking to the school to make sure your daughter gets all the support she needs. I'd advise any parent to do that whether the child had SEN or not.


BUT just because your child has been diagnosed with ASD it's far from automatic that she will get a EHCP. The spectrum is very wide indeed and her needs may have to be catered for by her class teacher.

PrettyKittyKat

Yes, speak to your childs school and make sure there are aware and they are on the SEN register. They will get what support the school is able to give, for example a pass to leave lessons 5 minutes early to avoid crowds if your child finds crowded areas stressful. Or a pass to be able to go to a sensory room if they struggle with anger etc. The school may also be able to offer some support in lessons however this will not be mandatory without an EHCP and will be restricted by the limited resources they have available. Your childs needs should also be communicated to all their teachers to ensure they know how best to support your child.

Depending on the severity of your childs ASD and needs depends on whether they are awarded a EHCP. In the area I am in it is extremely difficult and rare to get an EHCP currently. However, the communicating with the SENCO at the school will ensure your child gets all the support they can in school.

JuzaMum

Thanks for the replies. Her school have been wonderful putting lots of support in place as soon as she started knowing she was going through assessment and a diagnosis was likely (previous school was awful). With the support given she is managing well and an EHCP is unlikely. I have no concerns with her schooling but home life is difficult as I don't know how to manage her behaviour (I have three older children and what worked for them doesn't for her).

buildersdaughter

Glad that the school is supporting her well.
I suggest that you look for support in managing her at home, and where best to get it will depend on what is available locally.
The SEN support worker at the school may be able to advise you. Some schools have access to family support workers.
The paediatrician who assessed and diagnosed her may be able to refer you to a specialist nurse or psychologist who can offer advice on specific management.
Otherwise try looking for a support group. Ideally you would look for a local group, but these can be variable. Some of the good ones have great groups for kids and families as well.
Beware of US sites, where the systems are so different.