Autism self harm and statement

[JustPondering2020]

Hi, my son is 13 and has autism, he's recently been self harming but only at school never at home, how do I get him a plan? Can I even do that, he has high functioninh autism. He has been cutting his arms a lot and says he does it bescae stress at school, too many noises light too bright etc

[JustPondering2020]

I feel like keeping him out of school and applying for a statement, just not sure how that actually goes

[Biggreen87]

I'm sorry to hear about your sons difficulties.

Statements have now been replaced with education health and care plans (ehcp) . Have you discussed your sons need for extra support with the school? I'm guessing they have been less than helpful. The school can apply for an ehcp on your sons behalf.

You can apply for an ehcp yourself if they aren't being helpful.

This link may be useful.

www.ipsea.org.uk/asking-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

Also a model letter to apply for one yourself.

www.ipsea.org.uk/making-a-request-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

If they do agree to an assessment this is what you can expect.

www.ipsea.org.uk/what-happens-in-an-ehc-needs-assessment

If your request for an assessment is refused don't panic as this can be challenged.

Your local sendiass would be able to support you throughout this entire process. Ipsea and sossen can also advise.

[dottydolly72]

Are the school aware of his self harming? Most definitely have a word with the senco and get them to monitor this. He's obviously finding it al very overwhelming at school! The senco at school should be able to assist with getting an ehcp however from experience I'd say they will be reluctant to do so. Follow the link above for more info and get the ball rolling yourself is my advice. Also try and keep a record of incidents to back up your concerns.

[JustPondering2020]

Thanks for your replies, the school are aware, and my worry is that he is only self harming in school, he's not doing it at home, his reasons are stress, lights too bright, people talking all at once and too busy. School have given him a counsellor and told him off for telling his friends about it.
I feel that his stress is high in school so he is self harming and also that he is enjoying the attention for it which is a worry.
I just don't know what to do for the best, I feel like keeping him at home as he's not self harming here, but i realise I might be being hasty.
Is there any chance of him getting an echo for this, he has typical intellectual ability.

[JustPondering2020]

School have also given him an exit pass when things get too much, which he's been using, but he's still self harming, he never does it at home though.

[JustPondering2020]

Was wondering if a specialist school may be better for him, but not sure if schools like this exist for children with high functioning autism.

[JustPondering2020]

biggreen87 thankyou for the links, will look at them now

[dottydolly72]

@JustPondering2020 my sons is very bright but lacks social skills and has fine motor issues. We have caught him self harming and he has a seriously low opinion of himself. PE is a problem as is swimming and interacting in the playground. The EHC Plan is in place to assist him in these areas (that said it's not working).. we've had several discussions with the school around this and are coming to the conclusion a specialist school might be a better option for him. It's most definitely worth investigating, it could be a real game changer! No one wants to accept mainstream isn't working but.. I'd rather a healthy happy child than the one I have currently. Makes some enquires at least to see where you stand.