Too autistic for CHUMS not autistic enough for ASD nurse support

[FlemCandango]

FFS. DD year 10 is struggling when at school, emotionally, it is taking a toll on her and us.

She has melt downs regularly needs to leave lessons and needs ritalin to stay focused. She has autism, ADHD and dyspraxia and is a very sensitive and clever nearly 15 yo. I am very proud of her she tries really hard but is a bit lost in this big school, not really connected socially the lock downs have been helpful in some ways as she has settled down with remote learning pretty well. Still has meltdowns at home though, and she needs to study downstairs so we can keep her on schedule.

She was really struggling back in September, had a bit of a crisis and we got some changes agreed and a plan (or so we thought) for this year when she was back in school, for an autism advisory nurse to assess her in school to suggest further strategies. We also self referred to CHUMS for some counselling. CHUMS discharged DD as they said her ASD meant support in school as advised by LA ASD nurse was more appropriate. Today we have been emailed by school to say DD doesn't meet the threshold for a school assessment by ASD nurse. So that leaves us with nothing. I suppose DD has to fall apart before she gets any help! It feels like they are kicking the can along the road.

DD is at a really important time in her schooling she wants to do well and tries really hard. I see the toll it takes on her emotionally and physically she is dreading going back next week. I want to scream at someone but that won't help it is so frustrating.

www.specialneedsjungle.com/provisiondenied-return-school-send-legal-webinar-recording/

This is a fantastic webinar by a panel of legal experts on what to do if your child's education provision is denied.

I think I need to look into an EHCP for my ds, like the OP and many others we too are in the place where frankly no one cares. I can't even bring myself to dispute the OT assessment and the absolute rubbish that it was.

@FlemCandango, sorry it was a difficult day back at school. It's very distressing for a child when they feel like this and so hard for a parent too. 💐

Like I said, Ds's old school did not support our application one bit and they told the LA they were supporting him well and all his needs were being met. That was an absolute joke. When they filled in the form the LA sent them they answered 'don't know' for loads of the questions, it proved how utterly shite they were! I was lead to believe that Ds would never get an EHCP.
We made the application for assessment last July and his EHCP was agreed in December. The professionals involved in his assessment all agreed that he needed one. The EP told us that she thought Ds's old school was a disgrace.

Glad you are applying for an EHCNA. Good luck with it.

to all parents and children struggling with getting back to school this week.

Another day and another meltdown. DH is giving DD and Ds lifts in to help. Still once they got near school and stopped at the usual drop off, (about 3/4 minutes walk from school campus) DD couldn't leave the car. She was in tears, didn't want to go home, couldn't go in. Finally and a bit late for Registration DH persuaded DD by taking her into school grounds and dropping them off there next to reception instead. This was difficult as the car park is tight and our old beast of a car is not designed for nippy turns but he managed it! PE is being missed again. Hopefully she will manage her other lessons.

We have got the EHCP forms so I have some work to do this weekend!