My son is five and has a diagnosis of autism and global developmental delay. He is verbal and attends a mainstream school with a statement. One problem I am encountering is his statement was done virtually over lockdown and its greatly lacking. At the moment he is only entitled to an hour a week 1-1 but his recent school report emphasised that he only learns with a member of staff working with him on a 1-1 basis and he can only concentrate on learning for very short bursts at a time. They called it his ‘learning style’.
I have found a tutor who specialises in teaching children with autism to start with him this September so I’m hoping that helps.
I’ve always suspected he has ADHD alongside autism but up until now I haven’t felt the need to seek assessment. However, I’m concerned that he’s really going to struggle with the lack of concentration going into year one.
It’s not just that he struggles with high energy levels and sitting still. It’s also interrupting conversations because he can’t wait his turn and impulsivity. It’s like if I tell him not to do something like tip a bucket of water on the floor he’s physically twitching until he can’t take it anymore and does it anyway.
Do I go through the gp and hope they will give me a referral or can I phone his consultant and ask his advice? I’m sure his yearly catch up (can’t think of a better word!) is due soon so I could mention it then.