What could college be trying to achieve here?

[blinkybell]

Or are they just being awkward?

DD (18) attends our local college and is doing well. She received a diagnosis of ASD a couple of months ago. She also has some other disabilities.

In our area, all ASD assessments are outsourced to a private company. DD was referred by CAMHS and the whole assessment and diagnosis process was done as an NHS referral.

We received the full report last week and DD asked me to forward it to college, just for their information, which I did.

They have since come back stating that they are unable to accept her diagnosis, or the report as it was done privately. I’ve replied to say that all referrals are outsourced in this area and that her assessment was carried out on behalf of the NHS following a referral from CAMHS. It says clearly on the report that the referral was from CAMHS.

Where it all gets a bit odd is, DD has an EHCP already. Her needs and issues regarding ASD are already included in the EHCP. They’re following the EHCP perfectly.

DD has been on the waiting list for assessment for 2.5 years, throughout the time she’s been at the college, they’ve always known about the referral. They had to complete questionnaires.

I’m assuming it actually doesn’t matter whether they accept the diagnosis/report or not. I only forwarded them a copy of the report as an FYI, however, College were difficult with reasonable adjustments and stuff like that regarding her disabilities before her EHCP was issued (it was the reason I applied for one in the first place), they were difficult and refused to provide requested information during the EHCNA so I’m wondering whether there’s something I’m missing and their refusal to accept diagnosis/report could impact her EHCP somewhere along the line.

Thanks!

EHCPs are based on needs, not diagnosis, so don’t worry about that. Even if it was a private assessment, LAs and colleges must not have a blanket policy of refusing to accept them, although many try to say they don't accept them, so the LA is probably just perpetuating this myth. A diagnosis isn’t required for the college to make reasonable adjustments, anyway.

Thank you!

It just seems so odd that they’re refusing to accept her diagnosis. It doesn’t matter.

They were so bloody difficult and downright awkward that it makes me wonder whether they’re up to something.

TBH, if there was anywhere else for DD to do the course she needs to do, she’d be out of there like a shot, but there isn’t and they’re keeping to the EHCP to the letter so we’re going with it