questions about ASD assessment & statements

[tensionheadache]

I have a quirky 9yo dd who up until now has coped very well with school life. But now she is suffering from anxiety and I think perhaps the time has come to have her assessed.

The SENCo thinks she may have Aspergers (actually I know that isn't the right term any more is it?), I've always thought she didn't but had dyspraxia, but now I'm wondering if she's right.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions for anyone who's been through all this...

Firstly, is there any benefit in having her privately assessed? I know it will be faster, but that in itself I don't think will make much difference. School are basically behaving as though she had a diagnosis and supporting her, so my concerns are with secondary transfer rather than the short term.

She is very academically able and does not have meltdowns. So she is not a challenging child really, though she can be quite frustrating as she is often 'somewhere else' when she shouldn't be, and is more distractable than anyone I know. She has coordination problems and I think sensory issues with crowded/noisy places, which makes PE lessons hard for her. And playtimes can be difficult for her if all her friends are playing in a large group, as she won't want to join in with that.

Given all of that, would she stand any chance of getting a statement? The HT seems to think perhaps she would on the grounds of emotional needs, but I have yet to meet with the SENCo to ask this question.

I'm just thinking of how best to support her. Basically if she stands a chance of getting a statement then I think it's worth having her assessed, and presumably best via NHS (is that right?) so that I can request the excellent secondary school which has really good SEN provision but isn't quite local enough to get her in on distance.

I don't want her to go to our local state school for lots of reasons. So if she isn't likely to get a statement I think I would apply for private schools for her, in which case I might be nervous about assessment via the school, as then I might not be able to choose what information to pass on at the point of application. I don't want her discriminated against on the basis of wrong assumptions about her.... she doesn't fit what many people think of as Aspergers, but I have to say that I'm finding the SENCO's idea that she may have it increasingly convincing.

Sorry this is very long. Thank you for any thoughts or experience.

If a private school is going to discriminate I wouldn't see them as providing a good environment for my child however able she is

I understand what you're saying but I am planning to make my own judgements on that score, obviously. And will be asking plenty of questions when the time comes.

Any advice from anyone on the whole assessment / statement thing would be much appreciated.

Tbh if this is your attitude this isn't the board for you

Not sure what attitude you mean, but I'm a bit surprised by your hostility autumnsmum. Obviously this is not an easy time and I am trying to find out some practicalities about what it's like going through assessment via NHS versus privately. And what my DD's chances are of getting a statement if she is doing well academically and not melting down. I don't know whether school-related anxiety is rated as something which merits a statement.

I would think your chances of a statement are low, especially as I believe they are being replaced in the autumn.
On the other hand if she is on the Autistic spectrum, the chances of her having meltdowns/difficulties when she is older will increase.

Do you think it is a good idea to cover up difficulties she may have to get her into an intolerant senior school just as adolescence hits? Being forced/pressurised to leave might be worse than going to your "unsuitable" local school, where she could just end up anyway.

Thanks PolterGoose and mummytime. Helpful to know.