School support for ASD

[TankFlyBoss]

Looking for advice from parents of children in mainstream with ASD.

My primary aged DC has just been diagnosed with ASD over the summer holidays, as school expected her to be so I am hopeful they will be supportive. She is in mainstream and doing well academically but her main issues are:
Social difficulties when in group work and play
Anxiety sometimes leading to meltdowns and sometimes leading to shutdowns

I am due to meet with her school this week, what support would you suggest I ask them to put in place? So far they haven't done anything specific except for trying to identify triggers but they do seem supportive towards her in general.

Thanks!

Some of the things school could offer without an EHCP:
Social skills group
ELSA
Nurture group/Lego group/drawing and talking - depends on what the school offers, but the above 3 are relatively common in primaries at the moment.
A time out card for when DD's anxiety is building.
A quiet area DD can go to.
Movement/sensory breaks.
A timetable so DD knows what is going to happen when - depending on age a visual timetable and now and next board.

Does DD have sensory problems, and do you think an EHCP is needed?

That's great thanks so much. Some really good ideas.

Yes I do believe that the noise can get too much sometimes, she also has some other issues.

I am not sure she would get an EHCP at the moment but I do think I will ask for a needs assessment

Does DD use ear defenders or noise cancelling headphones? Think about placement in the classroom. Would going in to school slightly earlier or later help? Going to lunch slightly earlier or eating in a separate room?

The bar for a needs assessment is relatively low - a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need SEN provision to be made via an EHCP. Any other test is unlawful.

Massively helpful @overworkedrobot - thank you. Some great ideas, the classroom placement and sensory issues are probably where I will start with the school. Thanks again xx