Is there an organisation that provides support in meetings? (ASD)

[FunkyHeroCat]

Posting for a friend - I'm sure I've heard of an organisation that will provide someone to come and provide knowledgeable support when dealing with mainstream schools in meetings.

A friend has a child who has a 1:1 who thinks it appropriate to punish her child for doing socially inappropriate things. No modelling right behaviour, no social stories etc. The school and this LSA seem pretty clueless to be honest.

I'm sure I've heard that you can ask for someone to sit with you when talking to the school. I thought it might be the NAS but it doesn't seem to be. Does anyone have an idea where we could look?

[quirkychick]

It might be worth contacting a local ASD charity. Also, if the child has an EHCP (education health care plan) you can have Independent Support, if you are questioning how the school is carrying out the terms of the plan. I think it might be variable who provides this, as to where you live, but Scope helped me loads when we were doing my dd's EHCP, they have legal training, as to what we should put into the plan.

[FunkyHeroCat]

As I said, not for me (my children are much older, although both also have ASD) but thanks and I will pass on your comments.

[quirkychick]

I meant for your friend, sorry if I wasn't clear. Also, our local SEN Network and Family Voice iirc helps parents.

[cakesandtea]

SENDIAS does that for sure, ex parent partnership. They are great for this. They are funded by the LA, but are supposed to be at arm's length. There is a range of opinion about just how independent they are and when to talk to them. I personally have good experience and used them for support in meeting when I felt I need some 'reinforcement'.

[SpringerLink]

When I did the Cygnet course through my LA, they said that they have people on staff who support parents. Try your Local Offer for your area, and see who they suggest.

In my area the NAS also helps parents.

[quirkychick]

Yy, to Local Offer, that would tell you who would do it in your area.

[FunkyHeroCat]

Thanks all, that's really helpful!

[Volant]

Whereabouts is your friend? If she's in the South/South West, SOS SEN might be able to help.