Senco changed Primary Need on IEP

[keepyourmouthshutox]

Hi,

We have an IEP meeting tomorrow and because the last meeting in June was quite heated, and we did not agree on targets etc. I did not really read it. Anyway, I had a look at it tonight and found that DS's primary need has been changed from SPLD (ASD) in March 2010 to ASD/BESD.

We are worried because we have asked for a place in a unit during the Statement Review and the LA had now also sent ds's statement to a BESD school.

Who decides what ds's primary needs are? LA agrees that behaviour is due to ASD. OT, who did 2 sensory profiles in August and September think sensory overload has caused a lot of problems.

Can I complain about the change?

AVOID a BESD school if your son has ASD. being surrounded by other children with those problems is the very last thing he needs.

What he does noeed is an ASD-spefic school / unit.

Has he been formally dx's - if so that should be on the Statement.

The Statementing process should have identified all his difficulties and those are what are supported.

If the LA has sent his Statement to the BESD school it's because they will be asking the BESD to take him. To do that the LA will have to amend his Statement. You can object.

TBH I'd be on to the LA firest thing tomorrow to say there is no way my ASD son is going to a school for behavioural and emotional support - they are not the root of his problems - ASD is and that's what he needs specific support for.

Sensory overload is part of ASD - usually heightened by anxiety.

Agree with Sausage

No way the SENCO can decide your child's 'primary need' - they are not qualified to do that.

Thanks.

Yes, Ds has been formally dx with ASD. I think it was because someone put BESD on IEP that LA now thinks they can try BESD school. Will be objecting strongly. Will also make sure that in his statement, it is very clear that behavioural issues are caused by ASD and sensory overload. - this was mentioned in psychologist report.

Don't know what SENCO is trying to do.

SENCO had no right to change primary need; she is not qualified to do so.

A BESD school is absolutely the last place any child with ASD should attend. Object strongly to this and stick to your guns regarding a place at a unit.