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DD undiagnosed AuAdhd can’t cope in college

9 replies

Willoe333 · 01/01/2025 15:24

Hello all,

So my daughter has been struggling in education since she started high school. In year 8 the head of SEN raised autism as she was walking on her tiptoes. She wasn’t coping with other sensory issues too in school, leading to her having to take her lessons in the SEN department from year 9-11. She couldn’t even sit her GCSEs at school and had to sit them at home.
She failed her exams, but also has no idea what her future plans are due to her issues. We looked at college but it overwhelmed her. So we signed her up to a training centre, where they said she could resit her exams and they would help her look for an apprenticeship. But she was only there a week and the panic attacks started. It was mainly boys in this centre who all had additional learning difficulties. But due to their age, they was out of control and the noise was just too much for my daughter. She’s now refused to go and I’m in turmoil as dont know where to turn and what options we have as she has to stay in education until she’s 18? She has been in and out of CAMHS and they have been useless. Her SEN teacher put in for an autism assessment in the end of year 9, which again was useless! They took so long and still not had a conclusion! Her SEN teacher said she doubtful she will get awarded an EHCP so I never applied. So now I feel helpless and worried for her, especially as despite her issues, she really wants to work, and is so frustrated. We’ve looked at apprenticeships as we feel this would suit her, but we apply and dont hear anything back?

Can anyone help?
Thank you

OP posts:
mummersintheattic · 01/01/2025 15:33

You can apply for an EHCP now, you don't need a teacher to start the process. Use the IPSEA website for lots of advice on how to do it and they have a helpline if you need more advice. What are your daughters interests? Does she like being outside in the countryside? There are all sorts of college placements available, and it may be that a different type of course is right for her at the moment. Are still on the wait list for assessment?

clary · 01/01/2025 15:59

Yes I agree, you need to push for an assessment. If she struggled so much that she was unable to sit her GCSEs in school (not sure if I have understood you there – do you mean the school allowed her to sit them in your home? did they send an invigilator? I'm a bit surprised that this was possible without a dx and an EHCP) then she needs a dx and yy push for an EHCP. That should open up more support for her.

Am I right in thinking she sat her GCSEs last summer? So she is now 16+? If you had an EHCP and a dx of autism or ADHD you might be in a better position to advocate for some kind of home-learning support – google EOTAS as this may apply. The she could maybe look at retaking some core GCSEs or maybe functional skills exams this year or next year.

BrightYellowTrain · 01/01/2025 16:26

Sadly, the SENCO misinformed you about the chance of getting an EHCP. DD, or you on her behalf, should definitely request an EHCNA. If the LA refuse, appeal. It isn’t too late. EHCPs can last until 25, or 26 in some cases.

In the meantime, request referrals for ASD and ADHD, and for support with DD’s mental health.

@clary home invigilation doesn’t require a diagnosis &/or EHCP.

mummersintheattic · 02/01/2025 09:15

Have a look at 14-16 College Courses (something like this? https://www.plumpton.ac.uk/14-16-courses/. Those Colleges are likely to be very well equipped to support students who have been out of education or may have additional needs. Talk to them - they will have lots of advice about courses that may have large chunks of time outside of the classroom, or with small class sizes.

Willoe333 · 07/01/2025 16:24

That’s great thank you I will have a look into it. Yes she loves sports, baking and music. She’s fantastic at art and playing the guitar. Thank you for your help 🙏🏼

OP posts:
Willoe333 · 07/01/2025 16:28

Sorry what is dx and yy? Yes they let her sit her exams at home with just a TA. We are waiting on the report for her Autism diagnosis. But I think she is more ADHD then Autistic, but they are separate assessments aren’t they? So until she gets this report back I feel clueless as to what to do? But she needs support! Thank you for your help.

OP posts:
clary · 07/01/2025 16:33

Willoe333 · 07/01/2025 16:28

Sorry what is dx and yy? Yes they let her sit her exams at home with just a TA. We are waiting on the report for her Autism diagnosis. But I think she is more ADHD then Autistic, but they are separate assessments aren’t they? So until she gets this report back I feel clueless as to what to do? But she needs support! Thank you for your help.

So sorry
Yy is yes yes ie string agreement
Dx is shorthand for diagnosis

BrightYellowTrain · 07/01/2025 16:54

DD is unlikely to be allowed to enrol on a 14-16 college course. They are not for 16 year olds who are post 16 pupils.

TeenToTwenties · 07/01/2025 16:57

My DD got an EHCP in y12 having missed y11 (covid 21) and not passed any gcses.

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