Would have a chance of EHCP: ASC & no learning difficulties?

[Tarantella43]

I'm wondering whether to apply for an EHCP for my (diagnosed) autistic DS in Year 5, or if we'd have no hope of getting one? I'm especially concerned about him coping in secondary school. He has had barely any SEN support in school because he is so academically able and quietly works well. However, he can be miserable socially as he has extreme social anxiety and shyness, and difficultly knowing how to go about making friends. He does want friends and isn't happy being alone so much. He will play with others in a group if they invite him but will be too scared to go up to other kids to ask if he can join in. Social difficulties do come up in the classroom too, eg. if he works in pairs and his partner is wrong factually about the learning, DS is too shy to say this is incorrect and to explain the correct answer. He is also too shy to ask any teacher for anything he needs, or even to put his hand up if he knows an answer. I know I can speak to school about supporting him, and I do this, but my question is particularly about EHCP with a view to starting secondary school. Thanks

Well there’s nothing to stop you requesting a EHCNA as a parent. However you are unlikely to get an EHCP for him on the basis that he might not cope at secondary school. It would be based on current needs as he presents.
More able autistic young people tend to resist support anyway in secondary. It’s whether he’d need support in the more practical/ dangerous subjects such as Science and DT (support may be available)
Access to the SEN base at lunch etc wouldn’t be based on an EHCP in place. Have you already looked at schools and spoken to SENCOs about your concerns? You might have a clearer idea then.
Look on the Local Offer to see if there are any social groups for ND children or look for activities in the holidays inclusive theatre groups etc according to his interests.

EHCPs are based on needs, not diagnosis. Academically able DC can get EHCPs. They are about far more than academic ability. You may have to appeal, but it is possible to get support based on communication and interaction difficulties and anxiety like you describe.

Case law dictates any decisions made now should take into account the upcoming transition.

The initial threshold you need to look at first is that for the EHCNA. It is relatively low. You only need to show DS a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need special educational provision to be made via an EHCP.

It will end up being about his needs at secondary school because of the time it is likely to take. It took me 20 months to secure one for my academically average to able AuDHD SEMH daughter. I applied in October of year 5 and the EHCP was issued in June of year 6.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/5309128-ehcp-support-thread-no-5?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

It's not true that an EHCNA can only take into account needs in the present setting; SEN guidance says they are supposed to be forward-looking, especially in and around phase transfer. If there are things in secondary school that your DS will struggle with, mention those in the application.

My DS is very academically able and has an EHCP. The provision is focused on him processing information in group settings, sensory needs, emotional regulation, and social skills. We had a good EP who could see straight away what he was doing to self regulate and the difference in him in the classroom to 1:1.

Thanks to all, this is very helpful. Sounds like it's worth me requesting an EHCNA.