ASD level 1

[Catladyagain]

I've got a 6 year old school refuser. No known SEN but we're fast concluding he may be asd level 1, based on what we've read.

Reasons:
as a baby, cried often, slept badly and overwhelmed jn playgrounds / couldnt easily be handed to another person
Finds it difficult to follow instructions especially at school
Difficult to concentrate on tasks he's not particularly invested in
Very literal
Experiences teachers' comments on his progress (constant judgement good and bad) very stressful
Finds playground stressful
explosive at home
can find transitions and changes of plan difficult
School refusal

School now offering anything to help get him back in but we're yet to make contact with the therapist they've put us in touch with who we understand is not a psychologist but can offer coping strategies and practical advice. They have so far not made any comments about possible SEN (presumably because they want to go down cheapest route first).

Has anyone else had this diagnosis and can offer some practical advice that we can begin putting in place to help him as we work through finding a new school (this school v judgey with points charts etc & quite intense teachers) and finding the right person assess.

Many thanks

Whether DS has autism or not, EBSA like you are describing is classed as SEN in its own right. Under SEMH needs.

If an EHCNA hasn’t already been requested, you should request an EHCNA. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

If DS can’t attend school, is alternative provision in place? If not, IPSEA also has a model letter you can use for this.

What support has the school already tried?

If you suspect ASD, you should request a referral. In England, levels often aren’t used.

Thanks, this is really helpful.