Some advice needed for my friend with a DS who may have ASD

[AwfulMaureen]

My friend has asked me to post this on her behalf...she has a son who is turning 4 in March and he has a lot of markers for ASD. His language is delayed...he can speak perfectly but can't seem to formulate the correct sentences for what he needs/wants....lots of Echolalia and also some stimming....he has what seem to be sensory issues so won't eat with cutlery for example. POtty training went very well recently and he's completely sorted day and night.

He likes to be alone doing his own thing...at preschool the teachers have said that he won't sit on the carpet at story time at all and they don't make him as they don't want to upset him...this is worrying my friend as she sees school looming...she has peeked through window and seen that he is always doing his own thing...off to one side as it were and never part of what the class is doing or part of a smaller group even.

He has SALT but they're not DOING much for him...it's all advice for my friend who is already doing all they suggest anyway....he has seen a paed twice and and EP has been into preschool...the EP is coming back in the summer apparently to look at him....no official DX yet.

SO....what can my friend do if anything to try to help her son more? Is it right that the staff in preschool are just letting him do his own thing? What about when school begins? Will he be able to manage in reception? He will do tasks when directed by a teacher on a one to one basis...he can't use a pen well at all but uses a computer well.

Small bump

Nursery and reception year do seem to involve a lot of child led activities, ie children choosing what to play with etc, which isnt always helpful for a lang delayed child. Hopefully your friends childs communication will develop more before he starts school but I would suggest your friend speaks to school senco and explain what is happening with ed psych etc, and see if senco has any useful ideas about support he would get starting school. Your friend might also want to think about applying for a statement, www.ipsea.org.uk has info and model letters. Also your friend shld consider applying for dla for him and if appropriate carers allowance , if your friend isnt happy with salt provision that money could be handy for private treatment

She should push the paed for a further assessment. And yes, start the ball rolling for a statement (look at ipsea).

If funds allow, look at other interventions to help too. We started ABA with ds when he was 3.6 with good results. Also other resources, look at National Autistic Society website for links etc. Regardless of diagnosis, there is lots they can be doing to help him. I haven't read it myself but seen Hanen books re communication recommended here a lot.

If they know which school he's going to, arrange meeting with school now about putting in place support for him.