Autism assessment before Reception: pros and cons?

[charliearm]

I'm hoping anyone with experience of the school system might be able to share some advice on the pros and cons of pursuing an autism assessment/diagnosis for a pre-school aged child.

My son is 3 and attends a lovely pre-school nursery four mornings a week. They've put various strategies and support in place, which have helped him thrive.

I’ve always had a question mark over autism and recently discussed this with his key worker, asking whether they felt a referral for assessment would be appropriate. They've already been liaising with the school SENCO to support him, and his key worker was incredibly kind and supportive. She said that many of his behaviours, sensory needs and social/emotional difficulties would fit an autistic profile (although obviously not her place to diagnose), and that if we wanted to make a referral, they would fully support us.

At the same time, she was careful not to push us either way, and encouraged us to think carefully about pursuing a formal diagnosis at this age. At his current pre-school (attached to a private school), a diagnosis wouldn't change the support he receives. They're already supporting him as an individual with a broadly autistic profile, so in practical terms, nothing would really change for now.

However, we'll move schools for Reception in September 2027, as we won’t be able to afford private fees. This is where I’m unsure. In your experience, would a diagnosis limit the schools he's able to apply to locally? We had hoped for a lovely one, just round the courner from our house. On the other hand, if he doesn't have anything formal in place, how does that work when starting school, especially if support is needed?

I'd perhaps naively assumed that receiving a diagnosis would only be helpful, but I’m now wondering whether there are any downsides I haven’t understood - and don't want to rush into anything. I’d really like to understand the realities of the school system, admissions, support, SENCO involvement and any implications I hadn't considered.

For background: his support needs are comparatively low, and would be going into a mainstream setting. But he does struggle with sensory, transitions, unexpected changes, emotional regulation and aspects of social interaction etc.etc. I'm currently unsure whether school "proper" will be OK for him (a lot can change in a year!), or a real challenge.

Thank you so much - any experiences/thoughts/questions welcome :)

I would really strongly encourage you to go for an assessment now, especially while nursery staff who really know him are able to feed into the process. You will be back to square 1 in reception, and a diagnosis helps hugely with getting appropriate support, even if it shouldn't matter. Support needs can change quickly, especially if you discover a new school is less suitable than it seemed.

I don't think there are any downsides to a diagnosis for state schools. Independent schools vary in their views, but have become increasingly open to kids with ASD diagnoses.

Thank you so much - that's really helpful

Thank you, good to know!

Absolutely explore diagnosis as early intervention is so important. School will have a clear picture of strengths and needs as well as appropriate strategies.
Support is based on needs not diagnosis. I’d look at applying for an EHCNA too. An EHCP would enable you to name a Primary school.
If he gets a diagnosis it should open up the diagnostic pathway which might include access to programmes like NAS EarlyBird.
Do the setting claim preschool inclusion Supplement?

Thank you, good to hear a pretty clear consensus! Yes, we'd been mainly dealing with Health Visitors previous to this (as I'd asked the question at his 2 year check), but they haven't been very helpful at all - so definitely think school referral is the way to go, to at least get things started. I hadn't come across "NAS EarlyBird" (just googled it), that's really good to know about. Thanks.

As far as I'm aware, no (although not sure with certainty), preschool inclusion supplement hasn't been mentioned.

I would accept a referral. There will be a waiting list, so you might not even be seen before the start of reception.

Schools can’t just refuse to admit someone because they have ASD. State schools places are allocated according to their oversubscription criteria. You will be able to find these online and they must comply with the admissions code. That doesn’t apply to independent schools and some are more inclusive than others, but they still have to comply with the Equality Act.

The vast majority of support in schools is based on needs, not diagnosis. There are a couple of exceptions, e.g. some ASD specialist schools require a formal diagnosis.

I second requesting an EHCNA.

My son has just been diagnosed with adhd and autism. What I would say is I hadn't anticipated the level evidence and detail the assessor would need before we went ahead. I think I have read on the RTC facebook group parents sometimes wait to gather more evidence. For us it was really straight forward, he been under SEN at school for years anyway, he had had speech therapy and seen an educational phycologist. The pre-qualifying questionsaires all matched the adhd and autistic profile.
I don't know what the process is for a 4yr old but I would presume he will be under SEN at his next school regardless.

While support is supposed to be based on need, not diagnosis, the reality often looks different and in some schools it's a lot easier to get support when there's a diagnosis and EP report spelling out what's needed, even in the absence of an EHCP. It puts you in a much stronger position if your child's needs aren't being met or you think he's being treated unfairly at any stage.

I agree with going for the assessment. Also with applying for an EHCP.

my DS has recently been diagnosed and he’s had support in place for afew years.
So support will be there regardless but I do think it helps a little to have it.
DS was put on the SEN register the term after Xmas in reception.

Thank you, really useful 😊

Really good to know, thanks

Thanks, really interesting - yes, definitely worth considering this aspect!