High functioning autism

[Pho2Mum]

My ds is 5 and he was diagnosed with autism. However I don't get much help. I have done a lot research and spend a lot of time with him implementing therapies mostly floortime, aba, sonrise, play, etc. He's doing good but then I wonder. Shouldn't be there a support plan for him at school? Why doesn't he get any help? Why am I on my own? The teacher keeps saying "that's age appropriate!".

[Pho2Mum]

I have not implemented all these simultaneously. I have done step by step at different stages since his diagnosis 2 years ago. I read about those and implement myself in his daily routine, playtime, etc. His speech is improving but he needs help socially and emotionally. He does not understand everything I say to him plus I don't see him participating in activities at school. I feel like all he does there is play lego.

[Pho2Mum]

I've lifted the bits that I deemed relevant... I had to do something! Waiting time is long and it's painful to watch him suffer!

[HardAsSnails]

What professionals are currently involved?
Do school know he has a diagnosis?
What support did he get at nursery/pre-school?

[Pho2Mum]

@HardAsSnails , at nursery he had salt and a support plan that addresses his emotional and social needs, encouraging collaborative and diverse play as well as strategies to promote independance and assertiveness. I was also working on his set targets at home on a daily basis using floortime, aba, play, sonrise as I read about them in books. None of the professionals mentioned those therapies and I thought they were primarily recognised in the US. I was just reading about ados too.
Now ds is in reception and turned 5. So a handover was done at the school but no further referrals were made. There is now no professionals involved.

[HardAsSnails]

Crikey, did he not get any post-diagnosis support at all? Have you been offered anything since diagnosis (Early Bird or Cygnet course for example)?

[Pho2Mum]

Well. The only thing was that every 2 months, the SALTherapist would attend a review meeting with key worker to discuss targets and progress. That's all. And now he's 5, nothing! He can't really express his thoughts and emotions. And I find myself dealing with his frustrations, rows, cries, impatience when he gets home. He's highly functioning. So I was wondering for other toddlers like him, what kind of support is available?

[IceBearRocks]

DS is 10 with HF ASD. You'll find that if your child is keeping up with thier schoolwork then you'll get very little support at all. DS struggles socially and with social communication.

You could ask regarding n Early Birds course but we did not find them useful.

[MrsMinnieMoggy]

Can you ask the GP for a referral back to the Paediatrican to discuss your current concerns. Even if no help if forthcoming at present, you will have on his medicals records of your current concerns and this can be looked back on later.

IceBear is right - schools seem to say if your child is keeping up academically, then they don't need much extra support.

Have you accessed Early Help in your area - again the GP can refer you to this I think.