Am I doing everything I can?

[Buddy80]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate some advice. Please be gentle :-)

Our son is currently undergoing paediatric assessment (we believe autism). He has just turned 3, non-verbal, stims, tantrums,etc. His behaviour was flagged by ourselves and GP so that?s what initially got the ball rolling.

In the last 4-months, we have had lots of assessments. 2 paediatric assessments, hearing tests, various SALT assessments.

Although we appreciate a formal diagnosis is a long-way off, I really would like advice if I can be doing anything else for my son:

So far, we have arranged:

Blood test for next week.

1 morning at a special needs nursery.

3 sessions from Sept at mainstream nursery (they have contacted a special needs co-ordinator but have not heard further. What should I expect in terms of getting him settled? He has extreme separation anxiety)

SALT assessments (but no speech therapy offered, just a signing course for me to learn how to sign to him (7 session) which we have to pay) Although there will be an in-house SALT as his special needs nursery.

Portage (arranged by myself, they will come to the house for 6-sessions over summer holidays)

As advised, applied for DLA

I have contacted council run helper groups and NAS

There is a team around the child meeting scheduled at the end of this month. Any tips? Was advised that they may open a CAF but no need for statement.

Thank you for any tips anyone can share, I just really don?t want to look back and wish that we had pushed for better

[Buddy80]

Hi all,

Just another big thank you for taking the time to reply, some really good advice on here.

In the last 3-months all the assessments and action has really started so its a lot to take on board but I just want to be armed with all the best information rather agreeing to everything. One interesting thing was I was told that you had to have a CAF before getting a SA and statement. I need to check that one out myself!

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

That is bolleaux! You do not need a CAF to request SA. Some LA like to 'interpret' the law for themselves, but there is no requirement to have a CAF. Have a look in the SEN COP.

[Buddy80]

Yeah, I thought as much. This info was told by one of my sons key workers at his special nursery.

[Starchart]

The keyworker isn't necessarily lying, but it still isn't true. Internal 'training' often 'encourages' confusion about the process and law.

Just go to the IPSEA website and download the template letter and bung it in. If it is refused you can apply again by return of post - legally (although it would be sensible to wait until you have more evidence). If you have lots of evidence and believe the LA is being deliberately obtuse, that is the time you appeal for tribunal.

hth