Hello, I could do with some advice please. My 5 year old son has been on the wait and observe for diagnosis for 2 years and after his first year at mainstream primary the school wish to push again for a review of this and the ehc report. Previously denied for lack of evidence.
He is happy there and settled, all changes in emotional attachment wound him deeply. He shows some signs of inappropriate touching of other childrens belongings ( oh its pretty, i like that ) but never violence. I understand that getting him sit still and to focus on the task in hand can be an exhausting daily challenge, needing step by step instruction. He is behind in all subjects but I assume this is part of the territory for autistic learners going at their own pace? With the new school year ahead and on meeting his new teacher I'm very worried that she will cope to keep him engaged at all as she is not expressive, no use of sign and not the bubbly postive reinforcement type of person he is used to.
My worry is that i got the distinct impression that they are pushing for the diagnosis so they can push him out of main stream and into special needs but the schools in our, even not so local, area are, although wonderful, not suited for his level at the moment either.
what are my rights if my mum radar is correct in this is the case, if they are determined to get him off their books how do i find a mainstream school that can cope with him without pushing him into an evironment that he clearly doesn't suit. I already know where he will be happy and settled for high school education ( assuming things stay on their current course) but a primary school I just cannot find and It's not like the ofsted resports give much indication and I feel like i'm pulling him through a minefield.
Where do I start, perhaps you might think I should wait and see what the diagnosis path brings but I can't sit back and wait another year and keep all my fingers crossed that they intend to do right by him without being prepared.
any advice appreciated x