Newly diagnosed with Autism

[MsChatterbox]

Hi!

My soon to be 5 year old has just been diagnosed this week. I was under the impression from here I just have a meeting with the school and they create some targets for him.

But speaking to another mum at the school gates apparently I need to go for a private diagnose now to get a better ehcp? And there's something else I need to apply for too but I can't remember what she said now although I think it was another type of support plan.

I feel a bit overwhelmed and don't really know what I'm doing or what I need to do.

Does anyone else have any more advice regarding next steps please?

I've already applied for DLA at least as someone told me to do that a few months ago.

[Thatsnotmycar]

A diagnosis shouldn’t change the support DS receives in school because support in school should be based on his needs rather than diagnosis. Does DS already have an IEP or equivalent called something else in your school?

You can apply for an EHCNA if you feel DS needs more support than the school are/can provide. IPSEA have a model letter you can use on their website. You don’t need a private diagnosis to get an EHCP.

[MsChatterbox]

Okay thank you. He doesn't have any plans or anything in place yet he's only been there a few weeks. He had a SEND plan at preschool with some targets on them. When I emailed his school before diagnosis they said once he's diagnosed we will set up a meeting which is what is happening now.

Will look up the other things you mentioned thank you!

[MsChatterbox]

@Thatsnotmycar

[Thatsnotmycar]

The school shouldn’t have waited for a diagnosis. Schools must make their best endeavours to meet a pupil’s SEN regardless of whether they have a diagnosis or not.

[MsChatterbox]

@Thatsnotmycar thank you hopefully it's more positive from here on out!

Bumping for any more advice!

[autienotnaughty]

Yes absolutely you need to have a meeting with school and see what support is in place. They don't need to wait for ehcp to start support. How is ur dc doing? Have there been any issues/concerns?

[MsChatterbox]

@auautienotnaughty hi! You replied to my other thread yesterday 🤣. We actually have a meeting set up now mid November. And I've asked for him to be referred for occupational therapy and speech therapy which they've said they will do! Just waiting for this meeting now really to find out what is actually being done!