Advice please! 5 year old ASD and ADHD

[Coffeelattes]

Hi all,
I’m sorry this may be long, but I’m looking for some advice, I feel it’s hit a block with my DS.

He’s 5, in reception of a resource base unit attached to a mainstream school (10 per class, 4 teaching staff), diagnosed as with ASD on the pathway for ADHD diagnosis but they won’t diagnose until 6 in my area.

Since Christmas he has been so angry, and is totally unable to manage his emotions, I’m sure he has PDA, he kicks off about everything! He hits, pushes, throws things, hurts himself, and it’s getting more and more. He increased his school hours this term, and I am starting to think this is the cause, that he is constantly overwhelmed.

This behaviour is starting to show more in school today, not just at home, and I’m scared the school will end up stating they can’t manage his needs.

He is verbal but delayed, and can’t really hold a conversation. He is a huge sensory seeker, we have all the sensory aids at home, nothing keeps his attention. He is unable to communicate why he is angry, so it’s a bit of a guessing game.

Has anyone been through this, and tools that worked? I’m getting desperate!

I'm sorry to hear about your DC's situation. It sounds like they are very distressed by their environment, and their needs are not being met. (Personally I don't think a hypothesis of PDA brings much to this scenario). DC is likely not feeling safe, does not have the developmental capacity to manage these big feelings or communicate what he needs, and this may be resulting in a lot of distressed behaviour. It's the only available means of communication.

It's up to the adults to respond to this and return him to a state of safety and figure out what he needs in his environment to remain happy and regulated.

It sounds like an early review of the EHCP is needed. Does the current EHCP include SALT, OT, some form of therapeutic provision for his MH? What is the school doing to try to prevent escalation and to support DS when he is already dysregulated?

When was DS 5?

Thank you @Mohur that makes a lot of sense, I think I over looked this as he has previously been doing so well.

@SearchingForSolitude thanks for replying, he was 5 in December, so not long ago. He has been discharged from SALT as they said due to his ability to focus or follow tasks, they cannot help. He has been turned down for OT which I am currently arguing against, but have advised first I need to attend a group zoom presentation, which is in March. I need to speak to the school next week about what is being put in place, I first thought it was just returning after Xmas break, then because of cold season, but it’s just not improving.

If DS was 5 in December the LA has a statutory duty to ensure DS receives a suitable full-time education. If DS isn’t attending school full time they should be providing other provision as well.

SALT is fobbing you off. They need to amend their provision so DS can engage. OT is also fobbing you off. Both need to be in F and then must be provided. You need an early review to amend the EHCP.