Advice for a friend: child's needs not being met

[MrsMot]

I'm asking this on behalf of a friend I said I would help.

Her 12 yo son has recently been diagnosed with autism by a paediatrician. He is struggling in school, his primary HT refused to accept that there was anything wrong and has since even queried the diagnosis.

He is currently in a MS setting with some support but no statement as they said they can cover what he needs without it... His mental health is deteriorating, he self harms and is increasingly violent at home.

My friend is very open about the fact her basic level of education is not high so she doesn't have a clue about where to start. I've told her she can request a SA herself so that his needs are properly met.

Would IPSEA be the best place for her to get advice? What else would you recommend? Thanks!!

Yes IPSEA have a sample letter you can use to put in a parental request for statutory assessment. Also you can book a phone consultation with them to get their advice.

Your friend could ring Parent Partnership too, they work for the LA so not neutral like IPSEA but some are good.

Good luck

Thanks, I'll suggest she does that :)

Luckily, my two boys with similar profile have been statemented and are both now in specialist schools which are meeting their needs far better.

Your friend needs to start collating and documenting all the incidents of violence and self-harm. Her case will be easier to prove if there are also incidents at school. She should request a copy of the school record (may be asked to pay for photocopying) as this should provide evidence if things are occurring in school and also contain details going back to primary that may be helpful.

Is her son under CAMHS? - we used a letter from them to help support the case for statementing.

It is harder if the incidents occur away from school but not impossible.

It is very quick to write the initial letter (template she could use on IPSEA). They will then write back asking for further information.

Lots of us on here have managed to get statements for their children despite (a) Being told they had no chance and (b) The child concerned not being academically delayed so it is definitely worth pursuing. The fact he is still self-harming despite the level of support given by school demonstrates contrary to their opinion his needs are not being met and this has to be the basis of her argument.

I agree with whats said above, but I suggest also:

1. she keeps a diary of violent incidents, self harming, etc at home
2. she videos some incidents, if she can on her mobile phone - it does not have to be long

She can ask IPSEA or NAS Education line to allocate her a case worker to help her, if she's willing to say she finds paperwork etc difficult they are much more likely to allocate her one. It means instead of ringing the advice lines every time she will have one dedicated person to help.

She can always go to A&E if he self harms and not being seen / stuck on waiting list for CAMHS, or GP, it can help to have an indep record of the self harm

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation has lots resources most of which are free for parents.

Its important for her to know if he can't manage school he can receive 'education otherwise than at school' (home tuition, internet schooling etc) if thats an option - or PT school/ PT home tuition.

If she is on a low income then she may be eligible for legal aid for any appeal so if she applies for a statement and is refused (which is likely the first time apply) then she may get legal aid to help with the appeal which would also include the cost of private reports like EP, SALT etc and a Solicitor. She can go on legal aid calculator website to see if eligible.