Finally an "official" diagnosis

[zen1]

We got DS3's ADOS results today and have been given a diagnosis of ASD (he scored 10, apparently 12 would have given an autism diagnosis, but I don't really get the difference). Anyway, just wanted to thank the people on here for making me be more proactive than I would have been in seeking a diagnosis and help for him so early on (he's 3.7). Also, am grateful to those who suggested I come over to this board when I first posted my concerns on the behaviour/development board 2 years ago.

Now I've just got to sort the whole school thing out. I was told today that our LA have now abolished statements so no point in applying for one , so trying to work out what to do for the best.

Well done on getting a statement so early.

I know you will be keen to get going on organising support for your ds, but remember to give yourself some time to process it all. Getting a diagnosis can bring up such mixed feelings as you are caught between the relief of finally being listened to and understood and the shock of hearing someone 'officially' confirming your fears.

As for the statementing thing - who told you they've abolished statements? Afaik, they aren't allowed to do this. I have heard of some LEAs trying this on in the wake of the recent Green Paper and potential changes to the SEN system, but nothing has happened yet, or is likely to happen for a while and again, afaik, LEAs are still legally required to work within the current SEN framework - that is - issuing statements of SEN where required/needed.

Fwiw, I would be rich if I'd been given a pound for every person on here who has been told at some point, by somebody that there's no point in applying for a statement. I was told it myself in relation to ds1, for whom we are now ironing out the final amendments to his statement.

If you can, find out the details of your local Parent Partnership and ask them, although bear in mind that because they are actually linked to the LEA they might not be totally impartial. Equally, check out the Ipsea SOSsen and ACE websites for more information and if you can, call their advice lines for support. The lines can get very busy, but it's well worth being persistent as they can offer excellent support on all areas of SENs.

Thank you Moosemama. To be honest, I don't actually feel anything at all regarding the diagnosis. I have been so sure for so long that he has ASD that I just feel I couldn't "move on" without it being officially confirmed.

Several different people involved in DS's care / diagnosis have told me that our LA (we are a pathfinder authority) are no longer issuing statements. I said at the meeting today that surely we could still go down the statementing route as the LA should still be issuing them until 2013. However, I was told it would be a big mistake to apply for a statement as whatever is superceding statements (still not sure exactly what that is - at the moment it's PRAs) will be much better for DS .

I have spoken to the local Parent Partnership and they are heavily involved in this pathfinder stuff and are really pushing PRAs. I will call the advice lines you have suggested for some impartial advice, I think.

Hmm, our LEA is also a Pathfinder and we were told that people should continue to apply for statements up until such time as things actually change, at which time those already 'in the system' will be transferred onto the new system.

It's getting a bit late this evening but hopefully someone better informed than me will be along to offer you some advice soon. Definitely call some of the advice lines though, I have personally found Ipsea's advice invaluable in navigating the SEN system.

That's interesting that your LEA is still advising you to apply for statements. I was informed that our LEA's money for statements is finite and will only be used to cover DCs who require provision in highly specialist schools (they've upped the criteria which enable children to qualify for a statement so that it is almost impossible to meet, particulary for children with non-physical disibilities)

Sounds a bit suss to me zen.

My ds has Aspergers and is actually achieving well academically (although not to his full potential) yet he was issued with a statement in April which mainly covers social, communication and organisational skills and emotional literacy.

Saying they will only statement children who fall above a certain threshold sounds suspiciously like a blanket statement which is illegal.

The funding LEAs have for statementing should be used to provide support for any children who require support - over and above what would normally be provided. If a school is unable to meet a child's needs from within it's own SEN budget, then a statement should be issued so that the responsibility for any additional provision lies with the LEA.

I am glad you have finally come to the end of the road dx wise :)

I agree with moosemama about it being a bit sus.....My LA is also a pathfinder but is still issuing statements. Admittedly they were trying to word certain things and not quantify using the green paper guide as an excuse but all was sorted out.

If you do get a statement before 2013 then at least your child is already registered with them and I guess he would move to whatever wild idea they end up with at his review.