Autism or HFA

[nappyaddict]

DS has been given a diagnosis of Autism. I understand for this diagnosis his IQ would be less than 60 and for a diagnosis of HFA it would be higher than 60. When he was diagnosed he was 3. How exactly do they test the IQ of a 3 year old? As far as I am aware his IQ has never been tested and if it has I have certainly never been told what his IQ is.

Hi,

Dd2 was refussed a place at sn school, we applied for the school before we had her statement, her statement came through a week before it went to pannel. We were sure she would get in as we knew of several others who got in that were less severe than dd2. Before it went to pannel dd2 had an appointment with the pead, we were expecting them to change her dx to HFA which worried me as we knew this could effect getting her a place at the sn school, the pead decided to leeve it until dd2 had started school and left her dx as ASD (even more reason to think she would get a place). Dd2's statement came through with 28 hours of support (1:1 or in a small group), then we had the news that dd2 had not got a place at the SN school (i cried for 2 days) . I approached the ms school (which her sister was already attending), they could see that i was worried (as i was crying) and they agreed that dd2 would need full 1:1 support covering lunch and break times as well as in the classroom.
I was still unsure about dd2 going to MS so i phoned dd's case worker to find out why she did not get into the sn school. I was told that dd2 was too bright for sn school (high iq but not tested) plus they felt dd2 needed to be around verbal MS children in order for her speech to proggress. . I was told unless there was an incodent involving dd2's safety then i had no grounds to appeal.
Dd2 will be starting ms school a week thursday, i am worried sick. The school have got funding to provide dd2 with full 1:1 support and will be getting outreach from the sn school, the school have promissed that there will be a new gate on the school (extra gate) to ensure dd2's safety.
The school have been great in preparing for dd2 to start in September but i am prepared to take her out as soon as it goes wrong (i have a fealing it will) and i will then fight for a place at SN school.

In a way i feel like i need to give dd2 a chance at MS (why shouldn't she have the same chances as a nt child?), you never know, she may prove us all wrong. But i also feel that a child with SN should be given the opption of SN or MS school.

ASD units are few and far between. We have been told that dd2 may have to go to a language unit 15 miles away) if she struggles at MS (this unit helps children with language delay not ASD) but i won't settle for a language unit.

Starlight So what you are saying is if a child gets 32 hours 1:1 support in their statement the first year, even if their needs are still exactly the same the following year, the LEA may cut back on this? Could you not appeal and say if they needed it last year and have not changed in any way then surely they still need it this year?

BTW, weren't you hoping with enough early intervention DS would be able to attend MS with support? Are you not thinking this is what you would like anymore?

What is a non-ammended statement? We got a proposed statement, I sent some amendments, we are waiting on the final statement. If they don't agree to any of my amendments does that mean he has a non-ammended statement and I won't be able to appeal?

So if in 12 months I want to change something on DS' statement, the LEA could refuse and I wouldn't be able to appeal (if it doesn't come into force as quickly as it is supposed to be)

So is this right. At the moment you only have the right to appeal the very first statement if the LEA refuse to make the amendments?

Once they start primary school I mean.

Is reception to KS1 or KS1 to KS2 a transition or not?

"preschool to nursery, and nursery to reception are 'transitions'."

What about if playgroup, nursery and primary school are all at the same school?

"The very first statement is very important to get right because it sets the benchmark. Currently, once it has been finalised it is set in stone until the next transition."

Does that mean that if I want to change his school at any point before he goes to secondary I don't have the right to do this?

"Negotiations with the LA can continue whilst you wait for your hearing."

So if I tell the LEA I have subitted for an appeal they may make some negotiations in the meantime?

"You have to right to change school to another 'LA maintained' without opening the statement."

So can I change from special to mainstream without opening the statement?

"When they find out you have appealed, the tribunal will want to see that they (and you) have been trying to resolve the issues. It won't make any difference to the hearing date, but you have to be seen as willing to negotiate. However, it is sensible to get some advice/support on this process."

Will the tribunal automatically let the LEA know I have appealed or do I have to do it? Should the LEA contact me or do I need to contact them?

"No, currently YOU can't, but the LA CAN and probably will do if you said that is what you wanted as it is still marginally cheaper (depending on level of support). However, with the new rules coming in, you should be able to open the statement."

With the current rules if someone wanted to move from mainstream to special, does that mean they couldn't without opening the statement. Presumably the LEA probably wouldn't do this as it is slightly more expensive, meaning that a child could have to wait until secondary school?

"You have to right to change school to another 'LA maintained' without opening the statement."

So can you change from special to special or mainstream to mainstream without opening the statement?

"You do need to get some expert advice however, from one of the charities, a solicitor or parent advocate."

I have a lady from Cerebra who helped us with DLA. Can she help with statement tribunals as well?

Why is it that you can move from special to special or mainstream to mainstream without opening up the statement, but not mainstream to special?

BTW sorry about all the questions, and thanks for your time :)