Private school and Aspergers - what help available if any?

[JuJuMoo]

Hi everyone, for several years now I've suspected my 8 year old son has Aspergers. He shows all the classic symptoms of obsessional behaviour (he is known as professor trains - knows everything there is to know about them especially the technicalities!) difficulties in social interaction and playing with other children, very frustrated and angry and unable to express himself, perfectionism etc. He is always in trouble at school yet at home he can be a lovely child.

He attends a small private fee-paying faith school who although are very supportive, they claim not to have any links with the local authority at all and they have no teachers with special needs experience. All the doors to getting him support through the school seem shut. My son would benefit from some kind of one to one support and learning assistant, to help him understand things and help him calm down if getting frustrated, and react positively rather than violently to others at school etc.

The school cannot fund this due to their very limited resources. I've applied today for him to have an assessment undertaken by LA to start the statementing process. However, I'm really worried that if any needs ARE identified the LA will not fund his current school and ask him to change to a mainstream LA school. Whichever will best meet his needs I'm happy with, but I know he will be fine where he is with just a little extra support. Does anyone know if the LA ever fund SEN children to have support in a private school? I wouldn't be asking for the LA to pay the school fees, I'm happy to keep paying those myself, but its just the support aspect.... I know this is all a bit pre-emptive but forewarned is forearmed!

Thanks everyone :-)

While DS was at a fee paying school we had to pay for all his extra TA help, speech therapy etc. Hope the rules have changed now but I wouldn't assume you will get much sadly

I knew a child at a tiny, faith based school who had support...she had ASD and her parents got funding from the LA.....the school helped them do this! Her Father worked in child protection and knew the law very well indeed. I am sure if your DS is entitled then he will get help.

My friend had this help quite recently....last year at least. She moved her child in the end though as she needed more support and the teachers were not helping her..she had many quirks and only her one to one understood her.

Private schools generally operate outside the LEAs remit so it may well be that you will have to move DS to a state school.

They won't likely fund a private school unless you can prove that no other school within your area can properly meet his needs.

Have he actually seen a developmental paed if you suspect AS; he needs to be properly assessed by such a person. GP should refer you..