First of all, this company might be able to help www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/

Most likely, your 'severe' case is being made worse by ABA. They try to "help" based on Neuro-Normative wiring and how Autistic kids grow is fundamentally different. We are wired for function not fantasy, therefore the way we 'play' is this: non-functional toys seem absurd. A wooden apple, a faucet which doesn't work, a baby which doesn't move. In a perfect situation, we are shown how to use tools with our natural attraction to functional aesthetic. We are afforded hours and hours to hyper-focus and discipline one craft. Non-verbal children can communicate and express in so many other ways. Some eventually use language. One woman I met with said her non-verbal son is building maps, structures and has incredible potential with geography/geometry. Why? Most autistics have difficulty with language - it's used incorrectly to begin, and our brains can be rich with imagery or even formulas. ABA doesn't use this knowledge to help grow the autistic but base all assumptions that our brains are 'wired' the same. They don't respect the Monotropic brain: https://monotropism.org/ So they continually interrupt a child's flow, which is the same as waterboarding. They don't respect that Autistic children are more likely to also be hyper-sensitive not just to external stimuli, like an LED without a full spectrum, which isn't natural and doesn't mimic the sun, but gut sensitivities to food sources which have been modified, sensitivities to all kinds of unnatural non human-friendly elements. We are wired to use our senses to Calculate Danger - if sheilded properly and allowed respect, space to develop and proper understanding, we can smell meat a hair off the moment it's taken from the fridge, we can sense changes in weather, the time of day with the birds, an electrical fire across the house, hazardous VOCs, how to acoustically treat an auditorium, when a foundation is improperly laid, how a bridge will stress and potentially break. We are needed in society - ABA doesn't see this. Furthermore, we don't dull these senses like NeuroTypical humans, either due to different Beta wave oscillations and/or the difficulty with language, as other neuro-connexions in our brain are much stronger. So if subjected to a desensitising 'therapy', it is torture. We can withdraw, and turn to extreme survival mode, incapable of growth. That kind of therapy is torture, it's no different from the gross misconduct the anti-psychiatry movement stood against or the kind of dehumanising torture in sanatoriums a hundred years ago. It shouldn't be happening. 

Two articles I'd recommend: autisticnotweird.com/.../ And this one on schools not designed to understand autism which can be as useless as ABA www.psychologytoday.com/.../are-we-giving-autistic-children-ptsd-school

If everyone had strong connexions in the lobes responsible for linguistics and semiotics, civilisation would sink. Artists, Scientists, Philosophers can be autistic visionaries who are not easily swayed by tribal use of language which is typically far from pragmatic, nor threatened by isolation. Most non-verbal children are incredibly creative thinkers. 

Some schools which might help 

https://www.acorneducationandcare.co.uk/

https://www.aspriscs.co.uk

https://www.cambiangroup.com/

The UK has many forward thinking organisations for autistic children and adults. There are collectives you can tap into and find better situations which might actually be much more helpful for your kid.

https://aucademy.co.uk/

https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/flowunlocked-east-london 

You might want to start with this link: https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/special-educational-needs/your-rights/funding-independent-place.  Then I suggest you contact IPSEA, the NAS advice line or another SEN advisory service. Although the law is the same everywhere, local implementation varies between authorities.

Sorry for bumping an old theme, but I can't understand several points regarding my situation.

We've discussed independent schools in a couple of posts here. But. I've googled and found a lot of independant schools in (Greater)London, and almost all of them state that they apply assessments from local authorities only.

Here I'm strugling :) Doesn't EHC plan and application from the LA means that they will fund the education? Or it's possible to have an EHC plan without LA funding at all?

> (schools / LA) will accept a private diagnosis and a international one just get the diagnosis report translated into English (would the professional in your country provide a English version?)

Yes, I think I'll be able to get a translation of my son's diagnosis. If you're right and they'll accept it, it's perfect! Thank you!

> Could you live outside London and commute / remote work this will give him access to quieter locations? 

Yes, I'm also thinking about some quiet place within 1-hr commute distance from the King Cross. Although I think it will completely depend on the school that we will be able to find... I.e. a proper school within 5-20 minutes from home is the most preferrable option.

Thanks a lot!

The local authority has a legal duty to find a place for your child in a maintained (state funded) school, particularly a child with special needs.  Joining in the middle of the school year may be a problem, because the classes will already be "full" ... but in London there are always students coming and going, so vacancies do come up. If your child has significant needs the local authority will put him on an Education and Healthcare Plan, and they will find a suitable school after consulting you and the school. Make sure you have school reports, medical reports, therapists' reports etc. available to share with the LEA; this should make getting an EHCP quicker. Good luck!

But as I understood (from this discussion and from the Internet) there is almost no chance to find a free slot for a kid in a public school? Looks like they are all overhelmed and the only option is a private school..

Am I wrong?

Public education up to age 18 is free, including state-run special schools. The state will also fund private special school places if there is not a public sector equivalent. You may have to pay for school uniforms and some additional items such as field trips, music lessons etc. but these are not a huge amount.

You will probably want to pick a smaller school rather than a huge comprehensive - but on the other hand, a big school may have specialist ASC provision.  All schools, public and private, are required to publish their Ofsted inspection report, usually on the website, and a range of policies. Do your research!

rich people go to andorra, they pay no tax there. but seeing as its full of rich people i guess cost of living will be high.

I would say the problem is with the bureaucracy and the legal myth that politicians actually control the NHS, Education, and Social Care ...  in reality, they are huge bureaucracies that are enmeshed in outdated policies and procedures. A bureaucracy is an organisation that has learnt so much from the past that it is unable to adapt to the future. I can't remember who said that.

We need politicians who will take the long view.  It takes at least ten years to train a doctor - we are talking two or three general elections time, and the politicos are looking at next week's by-election and this quarter's economic indices.

As electors, we want "the government" to invest in public services, but vote for the shower that offers us a tax cut. The Romans recognised that the plebs wanted beer and circuses.

The other thing is the pressure for "accountability". The bureaucratic mind likes statistics. The NHS often uses mortality as a measure, because in most cases it is easy to tell if a person is dead or alive. So if you can reduce the number of deaths due to, say, heart attacks by x%, the policy is working. On the other hand, mental illness and chronic pain due to arthritis are not "objective". So the money follows the statistics. The problem, as we all know, is neurotypical linear thinking.  It needs a few more of us to get them thinking outside their boxes.

> But I wouldn't move there unless you're earning at least £50k. 

Of course, I won't move if my offer would contain less then ~200k. But still I'm struggling to estimate expenses to my son's education :) that's why I'm here.

Thank you James!

> Could you hire a nanny / au pair in your country willing to move to the UK? 

I don't think so unfortunately

> your only option although there is a wait for private too

I had a concern: is private assessment acceptable for building ECH plan?

> Does your son have a diagnosis if yes then the local authority/ school would more likely accept it?

IDK will they accept a diagnosis from my country

> many people from the uk would leave to spain, australia, canada, or new zealand

I'm afraid Australia, NZ and Switzerland won't give permanent residence and won't provide any gov.services for disabled non-citizens :) I had an Zurich option also, but declined it due to this reason.

Anyways, thank you for your point of view, it's useful!

lol your putting her off more than i am with that food :D
our public health is very much more funded than it ever has been and the tories promised and delivered more than corbyn promised in his election. the problem is likely beaurocracy, maybe it is due to the privatised parts pilfering money.... it needs some regulation and oversight so that they can spend the money on things they actually need for good service. you can do alot with a little money, they have alot of money and do little with it.

Do I detect a political agenda?  Whilst what you describe is certainly valid, it is by no means universal. Our public services are underfunded, but they do exist and are free of the petty corruption that one hears about in many places.  Of course, there are structural inequalities and bureaucratic stupidity.

I would challenge you on microwave meals ... some are very good, but not cheap. Fresh ingredients are available - what is wrong with basic stews and soups for example? One cheap meal I like involves a bit of meat (one or two sausages and or a rasher of bacon)  fried up with onions, potatoes, peppers, mushrooms - anything that is available or leftovers. Add barbecue sauce and a few herbs to taste, and maybe add an egg. Delicious! Or how about a jacket potato with baked beans and some cheese?

^
this.... the uk is a bad place to live... thats why my origonal reply was negative. we have alot of issues. its not even a recent thing too as some like to make believe, its been terrible for as long as i have been alive, 32 years at least and longer before that too as entire generations of my family have been effectively pinned down before me and life has always been bad.

honestly alot of people come to the uk due to a lie that the grass is greener on this side... that you get free life, free house and its a safe secure first world country.... they come here and they then complain they cant get anything free, they get forced into debt, they cannot leave as once you get here it costs a fortune to leave and they wont let you and no one else will take you anymore as all other countries dont want anyone to leave this rock when they are here. its a prison island when you come here basically... there is no free life, there is only hard work that doesnt even pay anything, you have to decide what to live without, usually your electric and some food cutbacks. you will likely be homeless as theres no houses here and rental places even get take up fast. we have refugees from war torn iraq that claimed the uk is actually worse than their bombed out town in iraq. i hope you like low quality food because microwave food is the norm here, its cold and damp here so you also have to expect every single building to be infested with mould and you will likely get asthma and all your clothes in the wardrobe will be full of mould in 2 weeks and require constant washing even when not using them. i could go on more, this doesnt even scratch the surface! lol

id advise to instead look where people from the uk would want to leave and live in which are better... many people from the uk would leave to spain, australia, canada, or new zealand... we consider those better. 

It sounds like there is already a clinical assessment from your country of origin - this should be sufficient for the Local Education Authority to start the process. In London, this will be the local London Borough Council's Education Department.  Contact the School Admissions Team at the Local Education Authority and explain that your child has special education needs. They should arrange for someone from the SEN Team to contact you.

ABA is regarded as controversial in some parts of the autistic community - be aware that not all autism specialist schools offer it as a therapy. Obviously, whether or not you opt for ABA is a decision for you as parents and your clinical advisers.

Hiya

If your child requires special school provision then contact the London districts “children disability teams” to register you son? They probably refuse until you’re living in their locality! 

Can you afford NAS school 

NAS Radlett Lodge School

This school fees are: £38K per year (day student) 

Contact NAS - National Autism Society for advice 

Could you hire a nanny / au pair in your country willing to move to the UK? 

A special school will sort out a ECHP, a mainstream primary school could be harder / longer to arrange? Maybe a private assessment? Your son would be eligible to attend a mainstream school as it’s standard fees - but schools are over subscribed so large classes which your son probably won’t cope?

There is a long wait for ASD assessments so private is your only option although there is a wait for private too? Does your son have a diagnosis if yes then the local authority/ school would more likely accept it?

Contact a special school you like and ask the procedure / application form - as long as you’re moving into their area - this school would sort out a ECHP - school will give you the catchment area for you to look for a house / apartment.

someone else given you links for ABA

Choose a school then look for accommodation - the school will have mini buses if you’re to far or unable to drive him due to work?

If the school is full then you will have to apply elsewhere..the school will guide you 

Would he come for a holiday to go to see 2 or 3 schools? Then they would assess to see if he’s suitable (they can meet his needs) 

does this help?