Thank you both. I can see what you're saying. The thought of having to go to tribunal, on top of everything else seems terrifying!
I have tried to get as much info from the proposed statement. These are what the authority are saying is ds's SEN.
Part 2 - Special Educational Needs
Background
Ds is 11 years old. Lives at home with x, y, z.
Ds has been dx'd with ASC, specifically PDA
Been seen and discharged by Camhs in 2013
Educational
Ds has strengths in his working memory and personal weakness in verbal comprehension
Ds believes he can't do or isn't good at anything
Ds has a negative attitude to learning
Ds gave fleeting eye contact and shared enjoyment and tolerated change. He was unable to integrate eye contact, social communication and gesture.
Initially very motivated however as tasks increased he became fatigued.
During assessment Ds was fidgety
Processing speed is assessed as average ability. However Ds ADHD will challenge him in visual scanning and coordination of simple abstract info together with sustained concentration and attention to detail.
Given his dx of ADHD, the learning process is likely to require more mental effort for Ds and he will find it difficult to concentrate and attend for long periods.
Communication
Ds parents report he has wider communication difficulties ie he does not know how to begin a conversation or make appropriate comments. Referral to salt for any subtle difficulties.
School state when calm and happy Ds can articulate. If he is angry or feels someone is doing him an injustice he is unable to verbalise and just repeats his view over and again. He may also refer to past events.
He often looks past the person he is speaking to ie avoiding eye contact
Ds tends to monologue at all times and likes to talk at length regardless of whether he is boring anyone or hogging attention. He will only listen if it relates to one of his preferred topics
Ds does not understand jokes and copes better if conversation is straight forward
Personal, social and emotional
Ds does not grasp sarcasm and can become annoyed about this.
There are times when he will smirk, which could be interpreted as cheeky and result in difficulties with other children, or adults who are unfamiliar with him
Ds is reported by parents to have unpredictable moods and he can suddenly flip with emotion, this usually happens when he is asked to do something or told no or if he is experiencing life outside his routine
Ds is becoming increasingly violent at home, especially after a school day and more so if he's had a bad day at school. He is physically aggressive. Has a good relationship with mum, who he turns to when things are bothering him
Ds appears to become extra anxious when asked to do everyday tasks although he may be hiding these issues at school. However his anxieties build up over the day then finds a release at home. Children with PDA May be compliant and tolerant at school then behave much worse at home
Clinical psychologist reports that it has been established that Ds presented with early avoidance of other children and relied very much on his sister. He did make friends at nursery and infant school, however these fizzled out during junior school.
Ds appeared to flit from friend to friend always looking for someone who would engage in sporting activities with him.
Obsessions are temporary and all consuming. He likes rugby, wrestling and bey blades
Ds cannot compromise and would rather abandon and fall out with that friend rather than give in and play something they want to do. He always likes to be in charge
Parents state that Ds avoidance of everyday tasks increasingly becomes a problem. He needs encouragement, prompting or physical help when washing or cleaning his teeth
Physical sensory and medical
Ds medical report states a diagnosis of ADHD and sleeping difficulties. He is prescribed concerta xl and melatonin - all med is reviewed by community Paed and can change any time
Report states that Ds is impulsive and lacks concentration, which can affect his learning and achieving potential
Clinical psychology and neuropsychological report states that Ds is rigid, social interaction and social communication difficulties are consistent with ASD, specifically PDA
Parents report Ds had delayed head control, crawled at 11 months and walked late at 19 months. He is clumsy and will often spill things. Was late to ride a bike and is still unable to tie shoelaces
Encourage to use a gym ball when anxious and stressed, which has a calming effect and allows him to continue either watching tv or play on xbox. Uses a wobble cushion at mealtimes
The views of Ds parents (we sent a huge report, which they've narrowed down to this)
Has always required a strict routine and behaviour was always better when he attended nursery
Picture cards and lists are used at home. However due to his demand avoidance, this becomes a long task as he gets older, individual tasks and routines are becoming longer and his avoidance is increasing
Ds can be aggressive and this can take the form of verbal and physical. Parents describe Ds as Jekyll and Hyde
Difficulty controlling emotions, which can often lead to a meltdown.
Very intimidating and controlling
Ds perception can be very difficult and he will believe the very worst in most situations
He will almost definitely feel aggrieved and cannot see that there are consequences to his actions
Lacks confidence and self esteem, he struggles to keep a conversation going, unless he is interested and knows what he is talking about.
Ds requires a lot of reassurance and encouragement sand genuinely feels no one likes him
Ds has built up an internal picture of himself being rubbish at tasks,
With appropriate support it is hoped that his self esteem can be built up