grown up kids with SEN - how to help

[ivegotdreadfulpmttoday]

My DS18 has dyslexia and ADHD, not medicated. He left school after GCSEs and has been doing a trade apprenticeship. He really doesn't like it and wants to do something else but doesn't know what. He is very resistant to study after a terrible school experience.

What helped your grown up children with SEN find their path?

Has DS spoken to the local career’s service? Does he have an EHCP?

DD is in her second year at college. Thanks to a helpful poster here we are looking at a 'supported internship' for her next year.

He did have an ECHP but he left school over two years ago so not sure if that's still relevant.

Do you mind saying if that's a local college and what kind /level course it is?

She's at a local agricultural college doing animal care, and got an EHCP for the first time earlier this year. She's doing a L1 as that's all she's up to right now. We think a supported internship might help get her towards work as she isn't well enough for full time work. We have only just had her EHCP review so don't know whether an internship will be possible.

The difference is, she's been animal mad since tiny, we've known for years she'd do animal care. We just had to adjust the level of course after y11 was lost to MH.

Depending on the level of the apprenticeship the EHCP can remain in place during it. If the LA ceased it you should have had a letter. If it is still being maintained you should still have had annual reviews.

If you look at a supported internship DS will need an EHCP.

Waves at Teen, that was me under a different name. I’m glad you found something suitable. If the LA don’t agree to a supported internship you can appeal.

Thank you Just . The theory looks quite good, we'll complete the application form over Christmas. However it will only work well in practice if they can find a suitable placement. We'd probably end up driving as adding in public transport initially will be too much. We don't mind doing it for the right placement though.

Teen have you looked at your LA’s post 16 transport policy? If it says you aren’t eligible check with SENTAS as lots of LAs have unlawful post 16 policies.

Just No we haven't up to now, because we have considered it 'best' for DD that we drive her. Though if a placement was more than 30mins away that would make it more than 2hrs driving each day for us which is pushing it really.

Teen you might be eligible for mileage if you prefer that to transport.

To be honest the money isn't an issue. What we've always needed is just to be able to access the right support for DD.

I understand your PoV, but sorting mileage now is likely to make it easier to secure transport if there comes a point you decide you want/need transport because you do all the leg work/appealing/challenging unlawfulness now rather than when you actually need the transport itself. It’s not about receiving the monies, more ensuring the provision is in place for when you need it now while you have time.

That's a good point, we'll have a think.