Statementing

Hi Hotel California.

Thank you for your reply.

The more I think about it, the more I think it may be the right thing to do.

I don't think having a statement will bother my son too much, he doesn't really seem that interested in his IEP's but its a good point about discussing with him and family.

I have to look at it as a positive step and not a negative one. If I don't then he may never get all the help that he needs and that would be a shame.

Thanks again.

Speaking personally it was the best decision I made getting my son's statements as it has opened many doors which otherwise would have been closed.  It also gives  you some clout when discussing needs  with school as they are more likely to listen.  

I know many parents who know the child is autistic but don't want to draw attention to them with a statement.  In some cases it has been okay, in others the parents are struggling to get the support their child needs and they just hope all will work out in the end.  I feel this puts Enormous strain on the child.

You also need to consider how the child feels about getting a statement and other family members. My ex has always been against labelling the children and it has affected his relationship with them in a negative way.  

Just a thought find out if any of the teachers have aspergers.  I was surprised but thinking about it it is a ideal job, routine, following your special interest. I had to move my son out of his maths class because he clashed with the teacher who has aspergers.  He is unable to see things from my son's perspective and visa versa.  Neither backs down in an argument as my son sees every one as equal and will not just do as he is told if he sees no merit in it.   So in the end it was better to move him.  

Hope this helps you with your decision .  Good luck.

Hi and Happy New Year to all,

This is my first post and after looking through other threads I was very interested in what HotelCalifornia had to say about statements and transitions, as I am in that boat right now!

My eldest son has Aspergers and is currently in year 6. As far as school is concerened he's "ok" . He is on school action plus and has been for 3 years. Academically he is bright and "performing" well and they feel like they are coping with his learning needs.

Unfortunately I feel that there is something missing, I have tried to impart as much as I can to them about my understanding of Aspergers and also about my son, advice from outside agencies..CAMHs and OT has been passed on and I know that the ASD support team are also involved...yet I still feel that unless he is behaving in a negative way and impacting on their teaching, that his social and behavioural needs are only being partially dealt with.

OT have suggested movement breaks and distraction such as sending him on an errand when stressed..these I know, are not being done..he was sent out of class recently and made to stand outside the door when his "noises" became too distracting

My main areas of concern as far as school is concerned are; Agression, especially when he feels something is unfair, when he loses or when he gets teased. An inability to self organise, spacial awareness, turn taking, conversations..he dominates...a rigid feeling of like and dislike (stubborn), moving from one activity to another..he must complete the task at hand, showing interest in things he has decided are boring or too hard. He does make noises and talk at inappropriate times, he also sings and has been known to "play the fool" in order to distract the teacher or gain favour with his peers.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is how best to get the best from school...Would a statement really be the best option? Will it help him transition? Right now I am aware that he has 2 more terms in Primary but I'm also worried about Secondary and how he will cope.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks for reading

I have two sons both with ASD now in their teens.  Both now have statements, but it wasn't easy.  I would like to add that not only do you have to consider what your child needs now but more importantly what he will been in the future.  Secondary schools can be very daunting for them.  Consider how he will cope with crowds, does he need to leave a few minutes earlier to get to next lesson.  Homework - would he benefit from someone checking his understanding.  Lunchtime : where will he go for lunch.  Exams - will he need extra time / breaks.  Would your child benefit from having someone take notes for him.  What about PE -  is your child okay with getting changed.  

Also remember statements are not set in stone.  They are reviewed and can be amended.   

I would also talk to the secondary school you wish to send your child and find out what they have found works for their students.  Most schools have a learning support department and if you can include them in the process I think it can help. if your child has a longterm goal, say to stay on and do A levels it might be useful mentioning that.  

Also if you don't manage to get a statement, there are still many things the school may be able to do to help your child.  My eldest, now in VIth form is a whizz at maths (he has aspergers).  He volunteers at lunchtime in the learning support dept to help others with ASD who are  struggling with their studies and now has his only little fan club.  If an LSA is free they quite often are reassigned to those needing support who don't have statements, so its good to be on their radar.

Hope this helps.

Thank you.x

www.ipsea.org.uk has a lot of useful information.

You can also ask your local Parent Partnership organisation to help with letters.

It's basically about what his needs and difficulties are above and beyond the average child.  Particularly where this affects his learning.  It could include sensory issues, socialising issues, auditory processing issues, motor skills issues, behavioural issues.

If it's the school who initiated the process then you area already at an advantage as they recognise he needs the support so you will likely have a strong case.