Don’t know where to start with SEN help?

[tealandteal]

My DS is 4 and has just started school. We have thought that potentially he may need extra support and potentially have some form of neurodiversity for a while. His teacher has raised this as well. Where is the best place to start? I have left a message for the HV as he is under 5 but I’m not sure what I expect them to do. From what we have read we were thinking he may have autism. What might a diagnosis help with at his age and as he goes through school?

There are 2 separate issues here, getting an assessment for a diagnosis and getting support in school.

Support in schools is needs led, not based on a diagnosis. The process is different depending on what country you are in, and whether DS's needs can be met within the normal resources of the school or whether additional help/funding is required. The first step would be to ask to speak to the SENCO.

A diagnosis will help you and others understand DS more, and as DS gets older give him an understanding of himself. The assessment process will highlight strengths and weaknesses, so you will get an idea of where help needs to be targeted. DS may be able to receive help from services that require a diagnosis e.g. the autism outreach team. Also, whilst help should be needs led, some people find actually getting help is easier when you have a specific diagnosis.

Ask the HV for a referral to whoever carries out autism assessments in your area - in some CCGs it is CAMHS and in other a community paediatrician. If they won't ask your GP. In the meantime does DS need a referral to SALT or OT?

Thank you that is very helpful. We are in England. The school have received some funding and the whole reception class will be assessed to see if they need additional support with speech and linguistic skills. This hasn’t been raised as an issue for him before but at least if he does need support that is in process.

I will ask the HV for a referral and ask to speak to the SENCO and see where we go from there.

In England if DS's needs cannot be met within the school's normal resources you can apply for an EHCP. IPSEA and SOSSEN have lots of information on their website to help with SEND matters in England.

The first reply is an excellent summary.
You need to keep in mind the assessment for a possible diagnosis is "medical" and the provision in school is "education". One does not rely on the other, although sometimes having a diagnosis does smooth the path a little.

In my authority the school can refer for assessment, and this is often a MUCH better referral than the GP or HV as they obviously know the child so much better and know the difference between the child and their peers so much better. Assessment routes vary across the Country though so I can't, hand on heart say this is the same in all LAs. Worth asking the SENCo though.