Undiagnosed autism/aspergers

[Cluesue]

Hi,I've known for about 5 years that my dest Dd has either autism/aspergers have spoken to school and gp and their words are"because she is so high functioning with it there's not really anything that can be done.while she is coping now I really worry about the transition to secondary school in September and her previous excelling at school will disappear as I worry she's struggle much more socially in a much bigger pond

[Wh0Kn0wsWhereTheTimeGoes]

I think you need to make an appointment to speak to the SENCO of your DD's new secondary school. They should be able to provide an enhanced transition programme for any child that needs additional support for any reason. It's important that the new school are aware of your DD's condition (even if she doesn't have a formal diagnosis) as she may well need extra support outside the classroom as well as during lessons.

[Cluesue]

Thank You,will do that

[Cluesue]

The Dr said she wasn't concerned because the school is not,the thing is she performs so well in school and excels at everything bar socialising that she's no trouble,all that happens at home,she also has sensory issues and has had operation for tip toe walking.
When I went to discuss with go i wrote a list of all the things that give me concern and it depressed me so much because it covered an a4 sheet front and some back and just sounded so negative which made me feel even more shit as a mum.

[Ineedmorepatience]

It makes me mad that dr's rely on what school staff say when they are not trained to assess for autism, in fact neither is a GP, he should refer your Dd on for a for assessment!

You are right to be concerned about the transition to secondary, it can be very hard for some children.

I agree with whoknows contact the new school senco direct and go and talk to him/her about your concerns.

Good luck

[Cluesue]

Thank you

[tartanterror]

ggrrr - the old too able to qualify for help chestnut gets my goat!

Go back to the GP with a list and ask for a CAMHS referral for ASD assessment. You may need to ask for a second opinion in due course as girls are tricky to diagnose. Become very informed. Keep pushing.

Agree with the other posters - approach the new school SENCO and arrange for extra visits and see if she can be put on the SEN register so you will get termly meetings to review progress. She should get a provision map or similar to outline what help is being put in place.

Ask if they can put Circle of Friends in place for her. Maybe also social skills group? Do you think she will need much help dealing with all the different classrooms/teachers/rules etc? if so ask for plans/maps/teacher profiles. Get a one page profile done for her and ask for it to be given to all of her teachers. there are lots of things which can be done.

Keep an eye on supporting healthy self esteem. Watch out for behaviour indicating anxiety. Any signs of trouble consider applying for an EHCP - which will be easier if you have a diagnosis.....

Consider applying for DLA if you have to do a lot to support your DD at home. It is not means tested and is not linked to diagnosis. Cerebra have a good guide. If you qualify for DLA you can use this to say that your DD is legally disabled and therefore the school have to make reasonable adjustments. This is useful while waiting for diagnoses to come through, so worth thinking about it even if you don't need the money.

good luck

[tartanterror]

PS Our school said DS probably wasn't ASD and was too able to get help. they said not to bother applying for an EHCP. they didn't put much help in place and a bit of a crisis developed. As a result we went for diagnosis (after prevaricating for years) and it was in place within 5 months. I applied for an EHCP and the LA agreed to asses as I made a good case. It looks like this will be in place 12 months after diagnosis. The school are clearly shocked. I think most schools don't really know much about ASD .....