I think my sons dyslexic and or autistic SENDco thinks he's tired

[pickledbatswings]

So my son is 7 and has really struggled through school with reading, writing, instructions and attention. He's not disruptive and now because he is so far behind he's losing confidence in himself. I have spoken to teachers since this from the start of year two and covid has been the blame for him being behind. I have asked school again now in year three and they did agree it might be worth investigating further. SENDco lead observed him and has put his attention down to tiredness and has told me to see a doctor (mentioned possibly anaemia), this was passed on through school teacher not SENDco when dropping off. The thing is anaemia in kids is very rare, he has 11 hours sleep a night, he eats well, is a healthy weight, he's active and has plenty of energy for activities he enjoys. The only time I notice he's tired is when we are trying to read or do homework. I feel this is a bit of a cop out at the school and the reason he's tired is because his brain is working so hard. I also think he's possibly autistic due to many reasons which are becoming more apparent as he gets older. Has anyone got any advice.

Anaemia in children is not “very rare”. Surely it is worth ruling out a physical cause? None of what you list rules out anaemia.

If you think DS is autistic then ask for a referral, or in some areas you can self refer, but be aware physical causes will also be considered.

I have asked for a referral. Everything online says anaemia is unusual. He is fine at home and at weekends and doesn't act tired. He only seems tired when doing school work.

A rare condition is one that affects fewer than 1 in 2,000. Anaemia in children really isn’t very rare.

Information from GOSH - “Anaemia is a very common condition…”
NHS England - “There is a spectrum, ranging from conditions such as nutritional iron deficiency anaemia, which is one of the most common problems in childhood.”
There are statistics online if you dig further.

If going to the GP to rule out a physical cause is as well as a referral for ASD then I don’t see the problem. Support in school is based on needs, not diagnosis, so regardless of the cause the school should be supporting DS’s difficulties.

He's not tired......

Tiredness isn’t the only symptom of anaemia. And your OP says he is sometimes tired.

It’s not even an either/or. DS could be anaemic and autistic.

He is tired when concentrating, I have said this.

And that can sometimes be due to anaemia.

Go for a private Autism assessment and hire a private educational psychologist who can write a robust report for school. Nhs waiting times are now 7 years for Asd. School.should've got an Ep involved years ago

Waiting times fro NHS assessments vary, some are no where near 7 years.

School.should've got an Ep involved years ago

Unfortunately the reality of the situation in schools means that this is highly unlikely to happen. Due to the pressure on school EP time sadly schools are highly unlikely to use their extremely limited time for a pupil who does not have severe difficulties that cause disruption. If the OP thinks one is necessary they can apply for an EHCNA and if the LA agree to assess an EP assessment will be part of the needs assessment.

Its still years. Many good schools do get an Ep involved, especially if parents push for it. I had two kids assessed who were home educated at the time.

by the law. Op can ask LA to get involved

I posted OP could request an EHCNA from the LA which if the LA agree to would include an EP assessment. But as I also posted outwith the EHCP process it is highly unlikely schools will use their limited EP time on DC unless there are severe difficulties causing disruption. That applies to ‘good’ and ‘bad’ schools.

If your DC were EHE when assessed that wasn’t from a school’s limited EP time.

Its still years

That may well be, but some areas are no where near 7 years, which is what you posted.

why do you keep following me and responding to all my comments? Nothing better to do? I work for an Autism clinic and average waiting tine is currently 7 years. However, it goes without saying that people can be seen quicker but still years and this little has already been failed for a number of years which is why i would go private.

I have only ever posted on 3 threads you have been on, 2 of them, including this one, I posted on before you, how on earth is that following you? It’s a public forum. I am responding to posts as I do regularly on the SEN and SN boards.

Good for you working for an autism clinic. That is one clinic. Many others have long waits but much less than 7 years.

Support in school is based on needs, not a diagnosis. So OP’s DS doesn’t need a diagnosis to receive support, and a diagnosis won’t automatically result in more support at school.

Thanks for your comments. I'm not sure I could afford private currently

You clearly don't know what you're talking about. The diagnosis report is comprehensive written by a multiple of professionals. In theory you should be able to get a lot of support without a diagnosis. However, the reality is far from that.

If you think you need a diagnosis to receive support in school you are the one you doesn’t know what you are talking about. I know exactly what I am talking about. I have 2 DC with EHCPs and over the years personally, professionally and on MN have helped hundreds of parents secure support for their DC who don’t have a diagnosis.

EHCPs are based on need, not diagnosis. As is support in school, even without an EHCP under s.66 CAFA 2014 there is an absolute duty for schools to make their best endeavours to meet a pupil’s SEN and make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act. These are legal duties and if schools and LAs refuse to provide support based on lack of diagnosis parents can begin legal proceedings.

Diagnosis should be sought for all sorts of reasons, but you do not need one to receive support in schools as that is based on need.

Please quote where I said a diagnostic report wasn’t comprehensive and wasn’t written by an MDT? You can’t because I didn’t.

A couple of links as evidence to back up my assertion a diagnosis isn’t necessary to receive support in schools as EHCPs and support in school is based on need, not diagnosis.

SOSSEN FAQ - “A child needs a diagnosis in order to get SEN Support/an EHCP
No. This is not the case. A child or young person does not need to have received a formal diagnosis in order to get support from a school or apply for an EHC needs assessment.”

SFI - “Adjustments should be made and support offered in response to NEED, not to diagnosis.” (their emphasis)

SENETA - “A child or young person does not require a diagnosis in order to have SEN. The legal test, which is contained in the Children and Families Act 2014, does not refer to diagnosis or condition.”

If you disagree you should let SOSSEN know. Also Claire who is the Director of SENETA and works for IPSEA too. Not to mention the numerous other legal representatives and advocates who disagree with you. Perhaps you could link to your evidence and the relevant legislation to support your claim support is based on diagnosis?

please quote where i have said diagnosis is needed? You seem to love arguing don't you? You jumped on my comment and trying to invalidate it when there is nothing wrong with anything i've said just like my own post which i've asked to be deleted i was sick of your replies

I’m not arguing. I’m replying to your posts, it’s a discussion forum and I regularly post on the SN and SEN boards. If you don’t like my posts no-one is forcing you to reply to me.

You implied a diagnosis was necessary by saying “You clearly don't know what you're talking about.” in response to me posting “Support in school is based on needs, not a diagnosis. So OP’s DS doesn’t need a diagnosis to receive support, and a diagnosis won’t automatically result in more support at school.”

You posting NHS waiting lists are 7 years is wrong when they aren’t in many, many areas. As is saying I’m following you when I posted on this thread before you.

No quote where I said a diagnostic report isn’t comprehensive or based on MDT assessment? Funny that.