Child with AS

[FerretInYourTrews]

My ds is 3yo and has AS. Do most childminders accept dc with this? I have heard some stories (I know you should never trust third party info) that it can be difficult and v. expensive to get childcare for SEN children.

DS is in playschool for 5 mornings a week and the only help he gets is a visual chart becauase he flits from activity to activity, he has no behaviour problems or anything which causes a problem.

When looking for a CM should I say he is SEN straight off or as they are meeting him. I don't want the CM to make a snap judgement based on the diagnosis iykwim?

Am just wondering what the baest way to approach getting a CM is?

This should be no problem for an experienced childminder - many of us have experience with children with AS, ADHD etc - its more difficult if it is undiagnosed in fact. Should not cost any more unless he is such that he takes up several places, which doesn't sounnd like he should. Just explain what he's like (his 'good' points too), and say you would be willing to offer support. It's up to you if you say over the phone or perhaps when you visit. Good luck.

does your ds need a pram/wheelchair?
could be a factor as when on the phone you say he is 3yrs old cm will be thinking about transporting the child and the children she has to school/playgroup etc etc
i had a little boy aged 4 with cp so need a wheelchair so needed to factoe this into my desison when he first started

Thank you for the replies.
No he doesn't need a pram, doesn't need a routine and although I may be biased he is a really easy little boy to look after. That's why I'm worried about the whole AS thing before they actually meet him.

Shouldn't be a problem as childminders can also access the early support teams and sen teams that support nurseries/playgroups.
Continuity of care is important for any child, you may feel more comfortable with an experienced childminder that is happy to work with these teams and is happy to ask for advice if needed.

Ferret, the Disability Discrimination Act applies to childminders as well as other settings, we couldn't (and shouldn't) refuse childcare on the ground of any disability. What we have to do, like any family who approaches us is weigh up the impact on the exisiting children, spaces and hours available, do we 'click' with this family.
Obviously a child with specific needs we have to carefully consider how we are going to provide the best possible care and we acheive this by talking to the parent (and child).

You need to find a minder who you are comfortable with.

If you contact your local FIS, your local area may have a network of inclusive community minders or a list of minders who have experience with certain disabilities.

Go and see lots of minders but I would mention in the first meeting that LO is on the AS. A good minder will not see the disability, they will see the individual child.

good luck