Advice - is ehcp needed?

[ispendmytimecompletingforms]

I'm totally bamboozled with about whether or not I should try to be pushing for an ehcp, please give advise/share your wisdom.

DD year 8 (aged 12) is autistic, treated by CAMHs for OCD (just discharged ) on the waiting list for ADHD assessment.
In Primary lots of problems getting her to go to school but now she generally goes in okay though still very anxious with explosions at home pre/post school. So much better than before - but still not easy by a long way.

Academically though really struggling I'd estimate she will only pass 2 GCSEs based on how she's doing. She sits in maths and science lessons totally not understanding what is taught (exam marks in low 20s) Whereas English/history she gets 60s/70s)

Adjustments like reduced homework (as she can't cope with the difficulty or volume and has frequent meltdowns trying to do it) and sitting at the front of the class are helping her cope. But there is no support for the academic side of things.

School say they see no need for an ehcp as she is well behaved and attendance is good, just not very able. But I'm really concerned that is not going to get GCSEs and we have no idea as to why she struggles so much academically. Should I try and go for an ehcp or are the school correct that her need isn't great enough to get one?

She sounds a bit like my dd. School do think she needs an EHCP and did make an EHCNA application for her but it was rejected. We are appealing.

I would say it is worth trying, but be prepared for a long process. We first started discussing with the school last March. They made the application in November and we have a tribunal hearing date in July. And that’s just for the needs assessment.

The system is broken and is failing some kids unfortunately

@BananaPie thanks for your response. It's interesting that in a similar situation to us you are applying for one. I think I'll have to talk to the school again. (Good luck with your application)

Don’t take the school’s word for an EHCP not being needed. Unfortunately, some schools incorrectly tell parents their DC don’t need or won’t get an EHCP, but parents go on to successfully apply themselves. DC don’t need to have disruptive behaviour or low attendance in order to get an EHCP.