Autism diagnosis - now what?

[UndertheCedartree]

My 13yo DS was diagnosed with Autism a week ago. I was really surprised at how narrow the assessment was and I was also expecting to get a bit more information other than just - yes, he's autistic.

He's home educated and the team at the council have given me a contact for trying to get an ECHP. He is already under OT who have done some assessments. One of the problems are lots of the exercises on the sheets and sheets they send me are aimed at young children. Tried to get some help with the recommended theraputty today and got no where.There is a local autism group but again seems to be aimed at young children.

I thought the diagnosis would open up some support. I don't know what I should be doing.

You can apply for an EHCNA yourself now, no need to wait to speak to anyone. IPSEA have a model letter you can use.

Are you home educating because DS can not cope in school? If so, stop EHE, the LA have a statutory duty to provide education to those medically unfit for school, including because of their MH. By EHE the LA will say you are making suitable arrangements and they are relieved of their duties.

Even if the local charity is mainly aimed at younger children they may know of somewhere to signpost you or of other families with similar aged DC.

What help are you wanting with the theraputty?

@10brokengreenbottles - well, yes he couldn't cope in school. But to be honest he is so settled in his home-ed routine and doing so well I wouldn't want to make any changes.

Regarding the theraputty - I just wanted to know the best exercises to concentrate on. Realistically, he is not going to do all 10 odd of the exercises in the leaflet so I wanted to know which would be best to do regarding his particular needs.

If you want to continue to EHE rather than re-entering school (MS or SS) or an EOTAS package the energy you will use to fight for an EHCP may be better spent elsewhere.

By EHE the LA will state you are making suitable arrangements and they are relieved of their duties. Whereas, with an EOTAS package the onus is on the LA to provide the contents of the EHCP including therapies such as OT.

If DS won't or can't do all the exercises I suggest you get him to try them all and pick at least 1 easy, medium and hard exercise. This way he isn't disheartened and you can add or swap exercises over time.

The reason I would like an EHCP in place if possible is that he is planning to go to 6th form for A levels.

Thank you very much for all the advice.