How much to disclose in 'what support I think dd needs' when at request for SA stage? ABA related

[osospecial]

I want a place in local ASD unit but I've heard there is a years waiting list so I'm planning on asking for ABA (we currently fund) be paid for at least until the place comes up. I'm thinking I shouldn't disclose this at this stage though or they might reject the SA request. Can I just say about the unit then add in the ABA when they tell me there is a waiting list and they have decided to assess or do I have to mention it now?

Btw should've said, just realised, I have sent a paed report to them that does mention all this already. It says something like (dd making good progress with ABA and this should be continued if no placement in a ASD specific setting available yet). I know lea don't currently fund ABA for anybody so I'm a bit concerned they will be scared off by this and not do SA. Don't want to make the process longer by having to appeal at this stage.

I don't think you need to mention either in your application at this stage to be honest, as if they agree to assess they will ask you for information and your views. You can do the disclosure stuff then.

For now, you just list the needs as requiring over and above what a school can normally be expected to provide from their budget in order for your child to receive an adequate education and use the words 'complex needs' at lot (if they are).

If they ask what your aspirations are you state that your child should be educated in an environment suitable and appropriate and where evidence of progress can be ascertained.

I agree with Starlight, you don't need to set out your expectations/demands at the stage of merely asking for SA. As part of the SA process (assuming it's granted) you'll be asked then for a full parents report.

You should also, if you want ABA, get an independent Ed Psych report and even SALT report backing up your views. There are some EPs and SALTs around who are knowledgable and positive about ABA so worth getting them to do reports. Also report from your ABA consultant which clearly shows evidence of the progress your dd has made (based on the data the tutors will have taken).

But save all that till you come to the stage of the SA itself. The initial request simply needs to state your dd has x diagnosis, and the paed report confirming this, and you are requesting they do a Statutory Assessment as her needs cannot currently be met by the support at school. If you haven't already, look at IPSEA website for model letters.

Hey bialy!!!!

Where you bin?

Hi thanks both. I sent the IPSEA model letter first with copies of the reports from professionals then I received the parental views request afterwards and it has lots of questions under different categories on things like early years, play at home, communication, what I think dd needs and where her needs will be best met etc and says to sign front page if I don't want to be asked again for further info at next stage and am happy to use this. I haven't signed that but have written out 3 pages answering the questions today (not posted yet).
So maybe I should just give them answers to the background info part but leave my views on what she needs out until next stage

Firstly - Only answer the questions that are relevant. So don't worry about pregnancy stuff etc if they are asked, nor anything about homelife that isn't directly related to your child's development.

What she needs and where these might be best met can be covered without being specific.

The average parent will probably say things like 'Full-time 1:1 in the closest outstanding school' or something similar.

You can say something like experienced and well trained adult support that has a good understanding of when to help and when to stand back, in an environment where all who work with her understand and are trained well in her needs and difficulties.

Thanks star

Yes, again ditto what star said. You could also throw in a vague references to 'early behavioural interventions' being highly successful so far so are looking to build on this progress.