Echp guidance/help

[mumofdragons]

Hi all,

My DS is 3 years old and has additional needs. He is showing signs of autism but we are waiting for an official date for his assessment. He is non verbal, has no form of communication or understanding. He will be starting Nursey in September and the school have asked me to apply for ECHP to the LA, so they can get the extra funding for a one to one for him. He has been seen by SALT and I am currently awaiting his report but other than that we have no supporting evidence and I'm worried they will reject it. I am trying to get us allocated a HV, as we don't have one (I was shocked by this). I don't really know what to put on the form other than how he is at home.

Any sort of guidance or help on how to fill the form out will be much appreciated!

Thanks

IPSEA has a model letter you can use to request an EHCNA..

Explain about DS’s communication difficulties and the autism referral.

For evidence, request a copy of the autism referral form, but don’t delay sending the EHCNA request, you can send on further evidence when you receive it.

Has DS seen any other professionals previously? Has he attended any organised play groups/specialist groups where the leader could write a brief overview of how DS presents.

@Relaxinghammock

Thank you for your response. I have a copy of the NHS accepting the referral that was made - is this efficient enough? Unfortunately he doesn't go to any specialised play groups as I have literally been trying to get him allocated a HV since his 2 year review. So wasn't aware of anywhere I could've taken him.

He did attend a private nursery but only for a very brief time, my mother and I didn't like how they handled the children - we take a more gentle approach with DS and they were more forceful and shouty. It really out me off sending him anywhere else tbh.

It would be better if you had the actual referral as that will detail the concerns about DS’s development.

Were DS’s difficulties ever mentioned at the private nursery? Did DS receive any support there? If so, you could make a subject access request to gather evidence from them.