I am kind of new here. (Well haven't been since DS1 was a baby)
My DS1 has just been diagnosed with ASD- he has severe speech delay & also had repeated ear infections & glue ear- so the ASD diagnosis was a shock as we thought his speech was bad due to glue ear (still unresolved as grommets keep falling off after 3 surgeries!)
Anyway it cut the long story short, thought will start looking for state schools in Leeds ( we had thought private school till now). Someone recommended Gledhow primary school- they are inclusive, have a specialist language resource provision with a resident SLT- anyway called today- got put through to SENCO & the moment I mentioned Autism, I was cut off & told we can't take autistic children!!!!
Apparently they only take speech delay without a know cause- so if he didn't have an ASD label he would have been good enough for them!!!
I am shocked!!!! She didn't even ask his function etc.... He says only a odd few words & is quiet shy- but very well adjusted in his private nursery- no problem behaviours & they all say he's a very sweet & obedient boy.
I guess the reality of it all is sinking in- I think he can do well in mainstream, we are applying for statement etc/ but the attitude of the SENCO made me feel quiet down! Can they turn him down even before assessing!!!!
Please advise.