My granddaughter has today been diagnosed with aspergers (one day before her 16th birthday) after years of trying to get help for her. She has had a terrible time at school and has not had any help. Too late now to get SEN as she finishes at her school soon. At what age does the LEA cease to be responsible for her education - 16 or 18. Is there any other educational help she might be entitled to - maybe one to one - so as to be able to obtain qualifications to progress to college. She is bright but has learned little at school, for vast periods in the past three years she has been too terrified to go in.
Also, can anybody point me in the right direction to get help with things like physio, becoming a little more at ease in social situations, low self esteem, depression. We are at a loss as to where to start so any help will be greatly appreciated.
Dear Andrea,
So sorry about the abrupt end to my last message. I obviously touched something I shouldn't have.
Many thanks for listening and for your helpful comments.
Hi Andrea,
Many thanks for your very helpful comments, I am having a meeting with her teacher the week after next (it is half term here next week) to see what help they can offer for the last few months at that school. When I spoke to the SENCO yesterday, she informed me that as the diagnosis has arrived too late to get a Statement, she didn't think there was much that could be done. I will look into further education. Do you mind if I ask what a "discreet college class is?" probably self explanatory but i have not heard of it.
You might be wondering why I and not her parents seem to be looking for help. The thing is that whilst we have been looking into my granddaughter's difficulties, I have found that my daughter, her mother, is most likely autistic and even less equipped than I. She also had many problems but I could never get anybody to help.
I did take her to a geneticist, thinking there was a chromosome problem, but blood tests discounted this. This was 40 years ago, and there was no Internet. My son in law is in denial about the diagnosis, so is not much help at the moment. I do understand this but wish to get started to help as soon as possible.
I work in a further education college as a Tutor of Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities. I have a number of students with ASDs from mild to very severe and inbetween. I also have a number of students diagnosed with Aspergers. She would get free education until she is 19, the same as in Scotland. She also does not have to gain qualifications to get to college. As long as she is able to learn, however slowly and by whatever means, there is no reason why she shouldn't gain the qualifications either in mainstream or in a discrete college class with the view to progressing into mainstream in a year or two. As she develops educationally, her self-esteem should also naturally increase. Likewise, college should provide her with the opportunity to develop her social skills.
Dear moonraker
Thank you so much for your suggestion. This is my fist time at Internet participation. I am sure your dear son will benefit from the help you have now been able to access. Time is really of the essence in education of youngsters. I wish you both all the best and apologize for the abbreviations of SEN (special educational needs) and LEA (local education authority).
I will be following your advice.
Take good care.
My heart goes out to your granddaughter and your family. My son was diagnosed with Aspergers in August the day before his 14th birthday. He too has had a terrible time at school which is only now being sorted out through legal channels.
We live in Scotland and the Education Authority are responsible for a childs education until the age of 19, it may be different in England (you mention SEN and LEA, English terminology) but I think you should contact the NAS Education Rights Service for advice, they will know your granddaughter's legal rights, the page on the site with info is:
