Finally got written Aspergers DX for DS1 - need to amend statement don't they?

[starfish71]

DS1 14 after finally agreeing for the consultant to put his dx in writing letter has arrived today!

Now we are in a difficult place at moment, DS is in small PRU, mostly doing well but we have been told he won't have 'options' to choose like other mainstream pupils so is limited to core subjects. This has hit me hard and DS is feeling limited as he really wants to do computer science if at all possible but knows he can't cope with mainstream.

I realise we are coming up to transition meetings etc and want the Aspergers DX in his statement but it also looks likely Dr is going to dx ADD soon as well.

I want your opinions as to whether I just get them to amend statement with the Aspergers dx or wait?

I really just want to get them to amend now as they are so slow in doing anything. (Only today have I got letter from DS2 's annual review from June last year saying nothing needs to be amended.

Will have look thanks polterGoose. We did look into OU courses last year but he decided he wasn't ready so may be worth a look again. Hadn't thought of asking local college.

..

if it helps any I asked if Ds's statement could be amended just to add his diagnosis in part one at his annual review. wasn't expecting much to come of it, but after all the circular battles of the past I just wanted it clear that DS can't help the way he is iykwim. Was so shocked when I got it back this week. It's been TOTALLY rewritten and very well. I could now give it to a total stranger to read (or a new school?) and they'd know exactly what DS's issues are and most importantly exactly how to help him.

I don't think it would do you any harm to ask, as attitudes are a little different when people realise a child has a genuine disability rather than being a bad egg imho. I would in your shoes, just because the diagnosis is a "tick box requirement" for many specialist placements. (DS might have got a mainstream place in the school with an ASD unit rather than being considered out of catchment for example - it doesn't have to be a unit itself just a more welcoming environment than his last oe iykwim).

Interlink high have a lot of experience of working with LA's as they are the largest online school. Briteschool do an evening ECDL course (European computer driving licence) which might appeal to him too. Both have AS/HFA kids on roll, some of the Interlink pupils are LA funded.

Given how slowly the wheels turn, I'd ask now for this diagnosis to be included and then ask again if the ADD diagnosis materialises. Could he do the computer science one day a week at a nice FE college if the PRU are unable to let him fully access this aspect of the National Curriculum .

Thanks bochead that gives me something to think about. Interesting that your DS's statement was rewritten, I would love that as it is not a great statement.

Me and DH were just saying maybe we should call an early review? I just feel that I am not getting things right for DS but unsure even what is the right thing for him if you understand what I mean.

Will contact college but problem will be getting him to go, he really is struggling going anywhere apart from the PRU, that is why I feel let down as they aren't looking for other options for him which he could do with their support in the safety of the unit.

I'll recover from the shock in time .

No reason he couldn't access a decent IT course online from the computer in the unit is there? I always thought ICT was at the core of successive Government's NC and educational policies? If he wanted to study ancient Greek I could sympathise with their inability to provide, but an ICT GCSE is about as bog standard as it gets ffs.

A statement is all about accessing the National Curriculum & surely ICT fits right into everyone's Daily Mail stereotype of what someone with ASD is supposed to be good at? In your shoes I think I would write a polite letter enclosing the diagnosis, & asking how to help my child access the national curriculum, in particular ICT, and see where the feathers fell. You have nothing to lose.

The British Computer society also does correspondance courses in specific areas of IT. (I have my eye on the digital media one). The BCS is well respected by employers and some Unis and one of these might be an alternative to signing up with Interlink High or Brite School if nothing from the OU appeals.

Off topic but hoping it'll give some inspiration:-

For longer term "The Shaw Trust" is a charity which actively recruits HFA & Aspies for an apprenticeship programme with microsoft. (properly nurtures them into £40K jobs after training and a tailored support programme, so NOT the usual caring carrot stuff on offer in terms of careers by a long shot). I think they train them up as software testers. It would be an amazing goal to work towards one of these placements for post 19 over the longer term. I had some dealings with the Swansea branch back in the days when I was employed and they are one the nicest groups people I have ever met.

Ooh thanks, lots of very interesting info bochead!

DS could do IT GCSE I think but it bores him silly and he really wants a more "programmy" type course. Of course he may have to just accept this but as he is really struggling to engage with much of curriculum thought I could see if there were other options. Am worrying about him losing interest completely.

Have bookmarked BCS and well very promising hearing about the shaw trust! That would be fantastic for DS and local too :)