DD has waited so long for ECHNA, she's now 17!!

[WeakandWobbly]

She had EBSA in year 10 due to undiagnosed asd and adhd. We have been through the mill with alternative provision, phased return to school, reduced timetable etc. Eventually she got to the finish line with some GCSEs and is now in an independent 6th form. She is still struggling on a daily basis with going into school, friendships and ambition. If I suggest leaving and doing a job or apprenticeship she can't cope with the idea.

The LA have finally found an Ed psych to assess her, having gone over the statutory 20 weeks by about 18 months,( and I'd paid privately for asd assessment, salt , ot, adhd assessment over the past 3 years).

Is it worth bothering pursuing the EHCP at this stage?. She struggles so much with burnout, frankly she just wants to drop out and do nothing (like she did for the whole of yr10)

What would you advise?

In my area whenever I have tried to find any kind of supported employment opportunities, apprenticeships or internships they have always required an EHCP to be eligible. Keep pursuing it otherwise doors will be closed going forward.

Yes, it is still worth it.

So you are aware, if the LA breaches timescales, you don’t have to accept that. You can force them to act, including via JR if necessary.

Ok, thanks, will do.

Fair enough, I just didn't have the fight, having gone through it all with my son. Of course the LA are banking on most of us parents giving up. It plays right into their hands, so I get your point.

I agree with this.

My DD got an EHCP in y12 when every request for flexibility with college was met with 'does she have an EHCP?' (She missed all of y11).

It has meant she could take a slow route through college and is now doing a Supported Internship which is only open to those with EHCPs.