Is it worth applying for an EHCP for my autistic yr 6 son?

[ArcanaQueen]

Wondered If you think any chance I could get EHCP for my autistic DS (11), or is it not worth trying? Here’s a summary of how he’s doing at (Yr 6 primary ) school:

-Moved primary in Year 5 and was largely selective mute at school for a year due to anxiety about being in a new setting. Now in Yr 6 and speaking a bit though still extremely quiet and shy and has made no friends.
Doesn’t know how to talk to peers and could do with ongoing SALT to work on social communication (has had a bit of SALT).

— Wets himself regularly at school due to a mix of anxiety about signaling that he needs to go to toilet and hyper focus/ poor interoception.

—Highly socially anxious. Experiences nausea due to it which fuels fear of being sick which can lead to school refusal at times.

-Academically achieves “greater depth” without any classroom support.

—Struggles with noise but masks.

— Melts down at home only.

If worth trying can I expect it to take a lot longer than the stated ‘within 20 weeks?’

I should add: I’m worried about how he’s going to cope with secondary from Sep,

It is absolutely worth you applying for an EHCP needs assessment for your DS. In fact, I would do it this week. 20 weeks already takes you to the end of the school year. Some LAs are 'better' than others but in the worst case scenario, you could be looking at around two years of appeals if they refuse to assess and then refuse to issue.

Have you spoken to the Senco about applying for an EHCP? Although having said that, the Senco in my DS's primary said he would never get one and he did. So while it's best if they do agree, it's not essential.

I have known DC at grammar schools who have an EHCP so again, don't be fobbed off if people tell you he's too 'able' to qualify. My DS is predicted 9s in some of his GCSEs but that's because he's getting the support he requires via his EHCP.

The EHCP aside, have you made contact with the Senco at your DS's secondary to find out how they're going to support him from September? It sounds like the toileting issue will need addressing as a matter of urgency.

Ipsea has some good info about the EHCP process:

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/asking-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

@Toomanyminifigs’s post is excellent.

Request an EHCNA ASAP. You may not have an EHCP by September, but it is still worth making the request.

Alongside that, request a meeting with the SENCO at the secondary school. As well as discussing support in September, you need a plan for an enhanced transition for the rest of Y6 (and potentially over the summer holidays, depending on the school).

Is DS under any HCPs for his toileting difficulties?

Has DS had an OT assessment?

Thanks so much. It’s currently hard to get him to assessments (eg OT) as he is rejecting that he has any additional needs and extremely embarrassed and angry to be asked any personal questions. I will try, though, and request EHCNA now. Just spoken to primary school SENCO about it,