PDA/Autism Now Attachment disorder

[Kingof93]

Sorry if this has been posted before but I'm digging and finding nothing.

My 6yo has real problems in school. He struggles only in that environment and was given a diagnosis of PDA at one time. The school since his struggles have increased have now decided it could be attachment disorder and are now sending the "boxall report" stating that it could be inadequate parenting.

For the record the school previously raised a complaint about us after a misunderstanding about road traffic safety and that report stated we are a loving home.

So now I have a school pointing the finger and today a child shouting I hate you at my wife. A term he only started using when another child said "i hate you" to my son.

Does anyone know of any other routes to help. I'm on the waiting list for NHS help and have spoken to a private helper for autism but the school are really affected our lives now by pointing the finger.

Many LAs do act unlawfully, yes, which is why parents need to know the law. So they can enforce their DC’s rights.

Whether a child is known to services or not isn’t relevant. Legally the LA must seek advice from:
:a) the child’s parent or the young person;
b) educational advice (usually from the head teacher or principal);
c) medical advice and information from a health care professional;
d) psychological advice and information from an educational psychologist;
e) advice and information in relation to social care;
f) advice and information from any other person the local authority thinks appropriate;
g) where the child or young person is in or beyond year 9, advice and information in relation to provision to assist the child or young person in preparation for adulthood and independent living; and
h) advice and information from any person the child’s parent or young person reasonably requests that the local authority seek advice from.”
Whether a child is known to a service or not doesn’t change this.

You also suggested a referral would be needed, which it isn’t.

Quoting the law is different to interpretation and application. And available on the internet. You are not correct, however I will leave you to your crusade.

Best of luck OP and I do hope you and your son get the support you need.

The law is the law. LAs like to think they can interpret it as they like and do what they want, but they can’t and parents can force them to comply with the law.

I am correct, I have supported hundreds of parents to apply for and secure EHCPs, and it is not helpful to perpetuate myths about EHCPs.

This sounds like a real mess, the LA or school cannot diagnose PDA, ASD or attachment disorder. They are medical conditions that need to be diagnosed by a medical professional, with supporting evidence from school.

In fact, the NHS don't even diagnosis PDA, well certainly not in the part of the UK I live and work in.

Regarding the attachment disorder, I wouldn't dismiss it as a criticism of your parenting. We all have attachments, attachment is another word for relationship or bond.

If there has been a disruption in a child's early life ie due to a parental separation, parental ill health, or what the child perceives to be a disruption due to the way they relate to or make sense of the world around them, this can lead to an insecure attachment which transfers to other settings ie school.

There are particular behaviours parents or school may see in a child with an insecure attachment ie hyperactivity, inability to follow instructions, aggression, social communication difficulties, poor academic performance. I don't know if any of these apply to your DC but there are several others depending on what type of attachment they present with.

It sounds like a referral to CAMHS may be helpful, alongside an EP assessment.

JustKeepBuilding is absolutely correct on requesting advice from services.

Longer term, I would be looking at other schools because it doesn't seem like this one is a good fit.

Thank you all.

Went through a lot of paperwork this weekend.

We where asked about any events in his life. Theres only been one. He missed the handover term at preschool. Where they teach how to adapt. Then he started school did maybe 6 weeks and then was homeschooling.

It wasnt until year 1 the routine settled. I think that and problems with his peers are the overhanging issue.

Again thank you all loads for the words.

I work with many with a PDA diagnosis. Generally mainstream schools don't have the knowledge/skills to support and tend to blame parents.

he needs a quiet safe space in school. You could also create picture cards with things he can to do at home (brush teeth, relax, get into pyjamas, watch an hour of telly, eat a snack and let him choose which job is next. This way he has some control but covers the basics.

There might be some helpful groups on Facebook.
Try: Not Fine in School …., Harry Thompson PDA Extraordinaire, Special Needs Jungle and Parenting Mental Health.
I would be wary of the school’s approach to this on the basis of what you’ve said. Try and get some good advice from wherever you can.