What can I expect for newly diagnosed ASD child in year 7?

[ColdToTheBones]

School already having DS in a support group for his mental health, and they've even added him into a young carers support group even though he's not actually a young carer.

But does he expect to have an EHCP pathway? are we supposed to apply for DLA? I have heard of these things in connection with autism but have no idea if it's just for the really extreme end of the scale.

And I wondered if anyone might have some useful pointers for a newb!

Not all DC with ASD will need an EHCP. If you think DS needs further support at school you can apply for an EHCNA yourself, IPSEA have a model letter. It sounds inappropriate for DS and the other pupils for DS to be part of the Young Carer group if he isn’t a young carer.

Are the school providing support for social skills and emotional literacy? Have they put other adjustments in place?

Do apply for DLA, the Cerebra guide is helpful when completing the form.

DLA and an EHCP are actually both needs-based so a DC doesn't need a diagnosis to be eligible.

As Imitatingdory suggests, do check out the Cerebra guide as it gives some useful pointers for DLA. The DLA form is pretty hideous - and long. You need to show how much care/support your Dc requires that's above what a neurotypical child of their age requires.

Re an EHCP, again, it's based on need (or should be!). I know Dc at grammar school with a Plan so it's not always about intellectual ability.

Have you spoken to the Senco? Are there recommendations in your Ds's diagnosis report for how best to support him? How is it going at school for him at the moment, both socially and academically?

Thank you. Will they assess for DLA? We probably need to wait for assessments to highlight the problems to provide supporting evidence too?

You don’t need to wait for further assessments to apply for DLA.