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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Possible ADHD/ASD - support from school?

1 reply

Rainbowclimbinghigh · 09/02/2023 19:46

DD is six and in year two. To be honest, we've suspected ADHD since she was a toddler... She's always been completely on-the-go, never sits still, constantly fidgets, constantly talks and unless doing something that completely interests her, is very unsettled and flits from one thing to another. Also very impulsive and 'silly' in her behaviour.

She also has huge emotional outbursts that are actually getting worse as she gets older and sensory issues around clothing (too tight, labels, seams on socks and tights).

We raised it for the first time with the school in October and have recently spoken to the SENCO who has agreed it sounds like she is showing traits and will put in a referral (though we will likely go private). She also suggested we might wish to refer for ASD due to the co-morbidity and the fact she is very talkative with strangers/doesn't seem to understand boundaries/personal space/very physical with friends. On reflection, she is quite rigid in her thinking and meltdowns will frequently be because of transitions or because something has changed/isn't going as expected.

She generally seems to mask at school, however her teacher is very aware that girls tend to. He says he hasn't noticed many behaviours though on the other hand talks about how easily distracted she is/her lack of concentration/how much she talks in class!

She is very bright and on course to be greater depth for reading and expected for writing and maths by end of the year. She absolutely hates writing and her handwriting is extremely variable (can often be very messy). She also makes silly mistakes in spelling and maths and doesn't always finish what she's meant to. So think it is already affecting her learning.

We are currently waiting to hear back from the SENCO and will also start exploring private options, but is there anything else we should be asking of her teacher considering the only behaviours she displays at school are distractibility, lack of focus and chattiness?

OP posts:
JustKeepBuilding · 09/02/2023 19:59

Some things the school could look at are movement breaks, sensory circuits, wobble cushion, sensory bands for chairs, emotional literacy support, ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones. Also look at classroom placement and the environment of the classroom. If they have anyone that delivers something like drawing and talking or nurture group they could also help. Longer term considering using a laptop might help rather than handwriting.

If uniform is an issue they should make reasonable adjustments. Have you tried seamless/seamfree socks?

As well as a referral for ADHD and ASD assessments it sounds like DD needs an OT assessment. In some areas you can self refer, if you can’t school or your GP will be able to. Not all areas commission sensory OT on the NHS, but it’s worth a referral anyway. If you ever apply for an EHCNA an OT assessment can be included as part of the needs assessment if the LA agree to assess.

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