How find other SEND parents at school?

[roasalie]

Hello,

DS is in reception, was diagnosed with ASD when he was 3.5 years old.

He's settled into school well but I would really like to chat to other parents who 'get' some of the additional SEN things that we go through.

But I'm not sure how to go about it apart from maybe saying something on the class what's app group?

But that would then reveal to everyone that our son has SEN. I don't mind people knowing but I'd like to be more selective than that, but not sure how to go about it. Any advice?

Some schools have SEN coffee mornings, you could ask the school if they would consider something similar.

There is likely to be a local SEN group/parent carer forum you join, they won’t just be parents at DS’s school but some may be.

Thank you @ThomasWasTortured

Nursery had coffee mornings but no one else turned up, but I'll see school can do something.

I've looked into local groups but not plucked up the courage to go to anything just yet.

Have you met the Senco at your DS's school? I would approach them. At my Ds's primary school, the senco would arrange a termly talk for SEN parents with a guest speaker (eg someone from ASD outreach, Mencap etc).

Does ASD outreach operate in your area? Again, you can ask the Senco. If they do, have you done their Early Bird course? That is a good way to meet local parents going through similar things.

You can also google 'local offer' plus the name of your council. This is a website provided by the council which may have details of any carers' meetings, groups etc.

Also see if the NAS is active in your area. They sometimes organise meet ups for parents.