Statement advice

[adrianna22]

Hi


So DS 5, has ASD and a severe speech and language delay.

On his statement I requested that he gets intensive speech and language therapy- to help with his development of speech and his communication/interaction skills.

He would obviously not get that, as his speech and language report does not support that.

Luckily, DS was assessed by a private speech and language therapist, but she recommended intensive interaction- which I don't think would really help DS to be honest- so I'm not sure if I should use her report to back up my views for DS statement.

I also put down that DS WOULD NOT benefit from workstation TEACCH as I think he needs a early learning play programme as much as possible.

What should I do next? Should I not appeal?

[adrianna22]

Should I get DS assessed by another private speech and language therapist??

[Nigel1]

Go back to the SALT and ask for her views. It might clarify the situation for you and help you make better informed decisions.

[adrianna22]

The private SALT, or the NHS one?

[fairgame]

Is the statement still in draft or is it finalised?

[adrianna22]

The statement is about to be finalised.

But they know about the recommendations that I've put down.

[fairgame]

Have they agreed to take TEACCH out of the statement?

If you don't want DS to have the provision recommended on the private SALT report then just don't submit it to the LA.

It's unlikely that they will put intensive SALT on the statement if you don't have the evidence to suggest that DS needs it. You also wouldn't be successful in appealing to have it added to the statement without the evidence saying that he needs it.

You could get another private SALT assessment but there is no guarantee that they will recommend the therapy that you want so it could end up being a waste a money. Private assessments are always a gamble but if you don't like what the report says then you don't have to submit it.

[adrianna22]

Regarding the TEACCH- it was never stated on the statement- but because I'm looking into specialist schools and quite a few ASD special schools/unit do the TEACCH from a young age.
I just wanted to emphasis that at this particular moment- it would not be beneficial for DS right now.

I luckily didn't pay for the private assessment.

[Nigel1]

Go back to the private SALT as ask her views asking her to comment on both the SSEN and the NHS report. That should give you some ammunition to go into the discussion with the LA.