Richmond or Cambridge for autistic provision

[TellMama28]

We are currently on the waiting list in Islington to have our son assessed. He’s 3.5 years. We have had him judged privately by a specialist paediatrician to have lots of potential but probably on autistic spectrum. We expect him to be assessed as autistic ( fairly high functioning).

We have been told that Islington council are quite good in terms of the waiting list. The problem is we desperately want to move. I’d like to be closer to my family in Richmond upon Thames as I need emotional support. The paediatrician told us Richmond is not a good department in terms of waiting lists for assessment etc and we are lucky to be getting the assessment done in Islington.

My question is: Does anyone have experience of Richmond council and obtaining an education plan with them for an autistic child post assessment? Can you tell me anything about schools in Richmond specifically any which are good with providing for autistic pupils? I also wanted to ask if anyone knows what Cambridge is like for comparison in terms of the council and schools?
In Richmond we were thinking of Hampton Hill as an area or Teddington or St Margaret’s. Can anyone recommend any nurseries and primary schools who do well with children on the autistic spectrum? I’d really appreciate done advice - I’m so lost at the moment and life has become so hard I really don’t want life to get any more difficult and just make an informed decision before moving.

I would see if there are any support groups in the area you are thinking of moving to and ring them up and see if they can give you any pointers.

Also try the NAS. they may have links in the area who can give you information.

www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/about-us/contact-us.aspx

I agree it is a good idea to be as informed as you can be before you move.

I can't comment too specifically however I can tell you that I have an EHCP and are looking to move to Cambridge - and thus have been in contact with the LA about this. I have found them to be very good to deal with thus far. We were in a similar situation of wanting to move during our EHCP application but we decided to wait it out. It took 12 months from start to finish but I'm glad we waited, as we have it now and can have more choice when moving.

Muiisal have you looked at primary schools and nurseries there yet? I understand that provision is pretty limited in primary schools with no specialist resources in place until secondary?

I live in the Richmond borough and have a 7 year old son with ASD (high functioning). Our assessment at Richmond CAMHS was very good. Told me things I didn't want to hear but I see now are absolutely true. I have experience with Twickenham primaries.

PM me if you want to talk.