Schoolwork Adjustments for DCD / ASD

[hollyivysaurus]

Seeking a bit of advice! My DS is in reception and suspected to be autistic, we’ve seen a paediatrician who has referred to CAMHS for an assessment which I understand will happen sometime between now and the next ice age! During the appointment the paediatrician picked up that DS is almost certainly very hypermobile (it explains why he was late walking and is struggling with writing and drawing at the moment). She said that when we go back for hypermobility to be assessed, as I don’t think they do it this early, we’d almost certainly be looking at DCD also.

I teach secondary school and in my experience kids with DCD are generally on laptops typing. At what kind of age does that get put into place? At the moment DS is doing his best with writing, but I think we’ll almost certainly be on that pathway.

Also I suspect that for tests like the SATS he’ll need extra time as he definitely struggles with processing - at what point does that allowance get put in?

I know it’s probably a bit random to be thinking about these things, but I have a year 2 DD who is doing KS1 SATS this year, and I just started to wonder about my son in a few years time and when I need to start asking about these things!

Thanks for any help 😊

KS1 SATS aren’t timed and will be optional for the school from the next academic year so DS may not even sit them. The first external exams where extra time will be available is SATS (or 11+ if you live in an 11+ area). When schools start giving access arrangements for internal tests varies school to school.

The school may run a group such as jump ahead, Fizzy programme or similar.

Also things like sensory movement breaks, social skills support, Lego therapy, nurture group. Ear defenders if he struggles with noise, wobble cushion if DS struggles with sitting still. They can look at more supportive seating if needed or a writing slope. Laptops and assistive technology generally start to be used sometime in KS1 or early KS2 depending on individual needs.

Ask for a referral to OT for assessment - this is helpful for both the hypermobility and the possible neurodiversity. They can recommend adjustments for the school and any additional equipment / support needed.