Absolutely gutted that dd won't get a place in secondary language unit

[frascati]

Had dd's ( 8 with asd) annual review and she will be going into year 4 September.

We started discussing secondary school placements and all along the school have said dd would be so right for the secondary school placement. Now they are back tracking and saying that as her language problems are no longer a problem (er she can't have a conversation) that it is no longer the right place.

I should be happy as her language skills are now way above average. She went into the primary school unit with a severe language/communication disorder.

They are not even sure if she will get into the asd unit as she doesn't meet the criteria for that

So scary as no way do I want her in a ms school with just a statement.

Is there anything I can do?

Hi there. I do not have a child with ASD, but with CP and a severe language disorder. What is on DD's statement? Has she got SLCD on it? Surely, they have to take this into account when deciding where to place her. Have they actually said that her language is not a problem, even though she can't have a converstaion, or have they said that it is not her ONLY problem? I have found this to be a grey area - I tried to get my son into a language unit, but was told that because speech was not the only problem, then he wouldn't qualify for a place. You're just going to have to fight I'm afraid. Speak to people higher up than you have been dealing with - even the Head of the education authority - it worked for me!
Good luck, and keep fighting.

Good thing is they said she is right to stay until year 6.
Statement says language disorder not put asd down yet as only got dx last year! I think they are trying to say that as she scored higly with her language test that it is not a language problem as such, just that dd chooses not to (due to her asd)

Nat ~ forgot to say thanks xx

Can I share a hug? DS3 also ahs a severe language disorder query ASD and today we got a draft statement that offered 10 hours- no mewntion of SALT unit we were expectinga nd hoping for.

We can appeal obv and will, but for both of us

BTW SALT unit here doesn't take ASD?

Maybe you need to go down the ASD route then. Don't know how you feel about this. I have worked as a music teacher in a number of Special Schools, including one for ASD only. I do know that often speech problems in ASD children are caused by the ASD and nothing else. Maybe this is the way you need to go. You need to try and get her to see the 'point' of speaking. Easier said than done! Good luck

aww thanks peachy. sorry to hear you are going through it too
I think my dd is so high functioning and when she was 3/4 it wasn't clear cut. They do take children with asd's in my SALT but the speech and language has to be a primary need and I guess now with dd it isn't.
Nat ~ yeah I think you are right. They are opening an asd unit for hf kids in a school that has drama/performing arts (which dd loves) so that may be the way forward. Just scary when all along they have said she should go and now back tracking.
I also think there is such a fine line between language disorders and mild asd. Which again is so confusing when considering placements.