ASD assessment year 6 (Exeter)

[LMonkey]

In January of this year DS (year 6) was referred for ASD assessment. I haven't heard anything since. In our area I know there is a 2 year wait for assessments, so I know it wouldn't happen that quickly. But I thought by now I would have received acknowledgement of the referral and confirmation as to whether he would be put forward for assessment. My anxiety is that there is only 2 months left of the school year, then he'll be in secondary school. If there is no evidence of this process having been started I'm worried he'll just be lost in the system, with no proof that he should be receiving any support. The SENCO teacher who referred him ( who instigated the referral based on his behaviour in class) when I messaged her, just said she'll let me know when she hears something. I know teachers have it tough, and I don't want to hassle. But I'm so worried that time has gone by and we haven't heard anything. Does anyone have any advice? I know SENCO referrals differ so much by area. We are in Exeter, Devon.

If you are concerned something has gone astray you could call to check.

Support in school is based on needs, not diagnosis. Have you spoken to the SENCO at the secondary school DS will be attending?

Headfirstintothewild I don't really know if something has gone astray, it's just an anxiety of mine as it happened to someone I know, and this would be the worst possible time being so close to him leaving primary school.

I haven't yet spoken to anyone at the secondary school and dont know how or if i can do that at this point really. A meeting was mentioned a while ago by his teacher which is something I will chase up.

Definitely speak to the secondary school.

Contacting the assessment service would tell you whether everything is OK or not.

I wouldn't expect to hear anything for quite a while if there's a 2 year wait. That's how it went for my son anyway, although we're in a different area and went via GP.
Your sons notes will be passed on from primary school to secondary school. What support are you hoping for? Mine was referred around the same age and got no support at secondary school apart from the opportunity to do some extra visits. I would have very low expectations tbh unless he has major behavioural difficulties.

I rang while waiting for both dc's assessments. I asked them to contact me if there were any cancellations, they did for ds.