Help

Hello everyone, I really don't know where to start. My son is 12 years old. Was diagnosed with Autism last year Inc communication disorder, social disorder and anxiety. After the diagnosis we have not recieved any help or advice, how to manage situations (he seems to have a 'melt down' at everything) he and his dad constantly argue and me and my daughter constantly cry. Our sCry has taken to harming himself (punching, slapping and pulling his hair) he does not have an Ehcp in place but needs one, home schooling in lockdown has proved that how do i get that, the school (mainstream) don't seem to care. I just want to help him and us as a family but have no clue how Cry

Parents
  • Hi there!

    It may well be worth asking the school for an Early Help referral - they can do this with just your verbal consent.  An Early Help worker can then work with your family to try and find a way forward and they can also make any referrals you may need.

    I would also ask to see your son's provision plan at school - ask for this in writing and cc in the head teacher.  Also request  a summary of his progress and feedback from staff about how he is coping.   In this same letter/email, outline the difficulties experienced by your son and his diagnoses.  Request that his case be taken to LIFT (the Local Inclusion Forum Team Meeting) - there his case will be discussed by specialist teachers and recommendations made as to what intervention he may need. In order to successfully apply for an EHCP you will generally need evidence that the school has endeavoured to meet his needs and that this has been unsuccessful - that's why a copy of the provision plan is helpful.  You can still proceed with requesting one without this information, and some have been successful, but it is much less likely. How you apply for an EHCP varies between different local authorities so you will need to google who you need to write to in your local authority. 

Reply
  • Hi there!

    It may well be worth asking the school for an Early Help referral - they can do this with just your verbal consent.  An Early Help worker can then work with your family to try and find a way forward and they can also make any referrals you may need.

    I would also ask to see your son's provision plan at school - ask for this in writing and cc in the head teacher.  Also request  a summary of his progress and feedback from staff about how he is coping.   In this same letter/email, outline the difficulties experienced by your son and his diagnoses.  Request that his case be taken to LIFT (the Local Inclusion Forum Team Meeting) - there his case will be discussed by specialist teachers and recommendations made as to what intervention he may need. In order to successfully apply for an EHCP you will generally need evidence that the school has endeavoured to meet his needs and that this has been unsuccessful - that's why a copy of the provision plan is helpful.  You can still proceed with requesting one without this information, and some have been successful, but it is much less likely. How you apply for an EHCP varies between different local authorities so you will need to google who you need to write to in your local authority. 

Children
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