Published on 12, July, 2020
My son does not have a diagnosis. Referred twice for ASC assessment last year, both times messed up by Mindworks, then refused as they closed their doors.
Dad (we’re no longer together) disagrees with referral and safe to say also does not understand ASC, masking, anxiety, sensory issues, etc…
School have refused any support for months. As I’ve made complaints they have started to implement minimal. But I continue to be challenged by the head (and this impacts the rest of the staff). He doesn’t need an EHCP. He doesn’t need SEN support. He’s fine in school. His hiding under chairs and panic when he sees peers is clearly not anxiety.
I’m worn down. I haven’t been doing this for as long as some of you have. My full on battle started on 31st October 2023, when hell nor high water were going to get him into school - first time ever.
Ive been blamed repeatedly. It’s my parenting style, it’s my this, my that. But he doesn’t have ASC, and he’s fine in school. he is experiencing EBSNA and is on a seriously reduced timetable of 1 hr.
Ive got involved with LSPA, Send Advice, I referred myself to early help and then withdrew from this when the support worker, who had never heard of EBSNA and didn’t know much about masking, drafted her report not mentioning his ASD referral, or EBSNA, masking, anxiety. I’ve now been criticised by the school for withdrawing (pretty sure I was criticised when I referred myself). I wrote to LA to ask for EHCNA. School have submitted their ‘evidence’ at the Final Cut off for this. It attacks me at every turn. Says son is fine in big groups. Says he’s going into classroom fine. Says all is well and they’ve implemented support which shows this.
I’ve complained to the trust. been advised to complain to Ofsted and the governors. I am not listened to in meetings, and the head is actually very rude towards me. have tried to contact SOS SEN, no luck.
any suggestions? Recommendations? Anything at all!?
I don’t know how people do this battle for years. I am absolutely battered. And miles away from where we need to be.
I think you need a diagnosis (which you probably recognise)- has he taken the RAADS-R and similar tests? These can be a good basis to push for a diagnosis. Can you afford a private consultation? If you’re based near mindworks in Surrey you wouldn’t be miles away from where I was ‘diagnosed’ (admittedly years ago so their prices have gone up substantially). In my experience getting anywhere with a school without a diagnosis is practically impossible, but even the short diagnostic report (not even the full diagnostic assessment) from a professional made my school a lot more helpful. Speak to a GP about the right to choose pathway, this is where RAADS-R and other similar scores are helpful. Even getting a GP to diagnose him with anxiety is a step forward.
The government list the escalation process for complaints here:
https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school/sen-complaints
I would also consider engaging with a solicitor or lawyer who specialises in this field - I don't now any personally but a search on the internet with the terms "lawyer for education special needs uk" brings up plenty - see if you can find one near you.
Once they get involved the school is likely to get serious about sorting it due to the chances of them being sued.
There is quite a good article in the Advice and Guidance section above:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education/resolving-differences/england
There are a few posters on here with more experience who can hopefully give better quality advice.