Hi i am the mum of a child who has aspergers we are due to go to tribunal very soon my child has been out of school for twelve months he has failed in three mainstream schools and only now have the lea decided to do anything about it now they have been given such strong power . i have just discovered that under new sen regs the lea now have extrodinary powers ,they can demand to assess our children and make us pay, if we use a lay rep in tribunal the rep- who is acting voluntarily- can now be liable for costs also parents will no longer be able to defend by themselves as the lea will have barristers on their side this will affect any one who has a sen child and may at any time need to go to tribunal basically we will have no power they will take away what little there is. Anyone who has gone thru this will know.At special women special children we need your support to make sure that such powers are not given we are fighting for the kids now but more importantly the kids of the future we never know where life will lead us if you feel you can support please email us at [email protected] or visit our web blog at specialwomenspecialchildren.blogspot.com and leave your views and comments on this issue. We really need as many supportive comments as possible to help change this regulation so if you could please please show your support.