Special consideration?

[ArseInTheCoOpWindow]

I’m just trying to find out if Dd qualifies for this.

She has bad anxiety and is having counselling. We’ve just had mock exams, it’s been a nightmare. She can’t sleep and is being sick through anxiety a lot. It’s affecting her quite badly.

I’m not sure what to do? Would she qualify?

Anyone?

I'm not an expert, but I think special consideration is for things that happen just around exam time, such a illness or bereavement.

What you might have more success in is asking for access arrangements such as smaller room or rest breaks. Some of these have to be approved by the JQC, others don't. Application deadline for access arrangements is 31/3.

Schools may be reluctant to give small rooms just on your say so though (lots of children present with 'anxiety' in y11 as opposed to actually having diagnosed anxiety) so hopefully they are already aware, and maybe you've had a GP visit too.
(NB I'm not disbelieving of you, my DD has been debilitated by anxiety & depression.)
We found Propranolol helped DD quite a bit.

Most likely not. It’s more for emergency
(Sudden death of a family member for eg) or if something disruptive happens in the exam.

It’s a very low percentage anyway and doesn’t make a difference.

You’d be better off discussing access arrangements with the SENCO. Is there a smaller room or could there be an arrangement for her to be at the front of the hall, back corner etc? Or can they provide support for her anxiety in general.

Go to your GP too and also look at any youth counselling charities in your area. You’re unlikely to be seen by CAMHS. Can you afford to go private?

She’s already in a separate room. She’s having counselling, but she’s been anxious since the age of 9. It really affects her as it affects her sleep.

She’s waiting for an ASD referral.

Thanks guys.

Presumably you have tried melatonin?
DD's anxiety stops her getting to sleep but we have found a propranolol followed a bit later by some melatonin gets her off nicely.

Hi @ArseInTheCoOpWindow I have 2 like yours so I completely understand

They are just about to do A levels so I’ve been there done that, DC1 has an EHCP and gets everything under the sun to help, takes anxiety meds etc. DC2 no EHCP does get quiet room, breaks etc as has some diagnosis but as far as I’m aware applications for other allowances had to be done by February

Suggestions from me are

Contact senco urgently and establish what can be done and if deadline has passed

Look at headspace, it’s an app that mine have found helps to a degree

If ASD is a possibility look at management techniques, DD has a weighted shoulder blanket and sensory toys / jewellery

DS uses CBD. oil as he doesn’t wish to be medicated for his anxiety, I It made his mocks much smoother. This is clearly a deeply personal choice but in his case it has helped very clearly

It’s awful for these kids, both have chosen degrees that don’t have exams going forward

She refuses point blank to take anything, she’s very stubborn😒

I’m just not sure what to ask the Senco for! He’s useless, l used to work with him years ago. Can we ask for vomit breaks?

She can get 1% special consideration for stress or anxiety for which medication has been prescribed, so you need to see the GP.

www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Guide_to_spec_con_process_2122.pdf

This would need to be applied for through the school, with evidence provided.

Talk to the school about rest breaks - time to calm down during the exam.

She also gets stress headaches that are really bad. Would they count if she took medication for them?

1% doesn’t seem worth fighting for though!

noble I did not know that. Thank you. May or may not be relevant to DD.

I’ve ringed what l wonder if she will fit into.

She has anxiety anyway but it gets much worse at exam time.?

You could ask for rest breaks, I believe they’re one of the easier access arrangements to get.

Or at least, we had to fight for extra time for DD but got rest breaks without a question.

Also in terms of medication- GP can prescribe propanalol but not anxiety meds I believe (this could have changed since DD was under 18).

Even if she won’t physically take them it would still tick the box of having meds prescribed?

@user1471504747

Also in terms of medication- GP can prescribe propanalol but not anxiety meds I believe (this could have changed since DD was under 18).

Even if she won’t physically take them it would still tick the box of having meds prescribed?

GP can prescribe propranolol (beta blocker). What they can't prescribe is anti-depressants, which have to be done via a consultant under 18.

Arse it may seem a small amount but don’t forget 1% may mean the difference between one grade and another. You are right, you can’t get special consideration for a long term condition unless there is an exacerbation of the condition at the time of the exam. However, those medicated for anxiety or stress are likely to be in heightened state during the exam period which is why there’s the provision for 1% or 2% if extremely distressed on the day of the exam.

How does DD cope at school more generally?

She copes OKish. Doesn’t like noise and hates not knowing where she sits or goes. Anything unexpected tips her over.

It’s the vomiting and not sleeping that are the main problems. What if she wants to vomit in an exam?

@ArseInTheCoOpWindow both of mine are vomiters with the anxiety from about 5 am till it starts. Once they’re in it seems to stop but I’ve been known to take a bin in the car

Sorry to hear that. It’s bad enough with one, but in stereo it must be awful.

If DD has rest breaks if she feels like she is going to vomit she could take a break. With DS1 when he is in a heightened state his nausea comes in waves even when it doesn’t go completely. If DD is the same she could take a break when the nausea is at its worse, perhaps get some air, and hopefully it will settle enough to allow her to continue the exam.