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ASD statements?? autistic units?

9 replies

logi · 28/09/2009 21:28

Hi i have been home educating my son 5 (ASD)for a year,he is currently attending a child dev. unit 4 daYs a week and they have suggested he would benefit from attending an autistic unit even if it was only part time.I have been to look at the unit and today i rang the LEA (special ed) to ask about the process and was told my son would need to have a statement which would take 6 months and then we could apply for a place then a decision would be made,i am interested in anyone who has did this and how long did it take to get a place.I didnt realise what was involved and although i want to do whats best for my son im not sure if this is the way to go or if i should just continue with the HE.Any advice welcome.

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MoonlightMcKenzie · 28/09/2009 21:39

You don't need a statement, but it is red tape they like to make you jump through before they commit any funding. 6 months is the MINIMUM, - you are probably looking at more like 9months by the time you have challenged their proposed statement and faffed around with their mediation service.

Ask for more advice and guidence from the unit. They are probably very experienced with the process.

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logi · 28/09/2009 21:48

Hi mm,the unit gave me the telephone no. and thats who i rung today and they said they only have 2 spaces and they would go quickly and i wouldnt get a space until next year and thats assuming it goes our way im not sure im up for a fight we managed alone for the past 5 years.It shouldnt be that way but...what can you do.

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MoonlightMcKenzie · 28/09/2009 21:55

Why don't you carry on what you are doing, and apply for a statement anyway. Think of it like buying insurance or something. Having had a statement could come in useful at any time in the future.

Contact ipsea and ask about the legal status of your son's education if you did go through with an assessment for a statement and what the likely impact that it will have on you. You'll almost certainly need to have a visit or two from and Educational Psychologist, but that isn't always a bad thing and can help inform you if you trust them.

Also, - if you can 'prove' that your home programme is working, you can sometimes win funding for it (need to prove that it is the most appropriate provision). You do need to consider the future.

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sparklycheerymummy · 28/09/2009 22:10

I am not sure about the process but i work in a school for children with SENs and we have specialist section for ASCs.... sure we take children without statements after meeting them and getting some background and medical info etc and then wait for the statement. My feeling is get him there as soon as you can and really push push push..... all our parents say you get nothing easily and its worth the fight. OUr ASC unit is amazing and our pupils make such amazing progress, especially with regards to their levels o communication.... its worth a fight and you deserve a life too!!!!

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logi · 28/09/2009 22:32

thankyou for replies,things at home were going ok but since weve been for dx and my son has been attending CDU his behaviour has become worse.What has happened is that due to my son anxiety/tantrums i have stayed in more and more its not unusual for us to be in for days at a time perhaps not the right thing to do but i have give up with the fights he doesnt sleep well and you just get worn down.Now he is older people arent so understanding of his tantrums and although he is lovely when he is in one he hits out alot. I think i may go ahead with the statement then its there like you said mm.
Sparkly the unit we went to see was nice too.

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sparklycheerymummy · 28/09/2009 23:20

HOnestly they will help you and him by giving him the means to communicate and express himself so the tantrums and anxiety is less. More often than not the anxiety is simply a reaction to not being able to express their needs or wants!!! Go for it!!!!! What region are you in logi??

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logi · 28/09/2009 23:35

hi sparkly,his communication is good...well i thought it was but been told he speaks inappropriately,he can come across as rude and gets stressed if there are lots of people near him.He is clever as in able to read way above his age his math is ok he can add/take up to 20.But he is very controlling.We are in plymouth.

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sparklycheerymummy · 29/09/2009 10:48

HI.... I am in the North so nowhere near. YOur son sounds like he has so much potential so i can understand you wanting the best for him. I love my job and am so very passionate about working with children with ASCs. I think you should keep pushing because if he has good communication and his needs are more social then there is so much a specialist unit can do for him immediately!!!! Let me know how you get on!!