Clubs for children with ASD?

[Sourcreamsky]

My 5 year old son was recently diagnosed with ASD. He’s going to be assessed for ADHD too. He’s in mainstream with no ECHP (rejected twice) and has minimal support. However, he is being seen by a OT who has suggested he would benefit from joining some clubs. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions? He does go swimming but that’s it. Xx

When DS is old enough Beavers are often inclusive. DS3 has ASD and is now in Scouts, the whole organisation have been understanding and accommodating towards his needs. DS3 also does tennis and football.

If DS won’t cope with a mainstream football team but would be interested have a look to see whether there’s a local disability football session &/or team, often called Ability Counts sessions/teams.

On a separate note have you appealed the EHCP refusal? The majority of appeals are upheld.

Oh thank you. I’ve not heard of Ability counts so I’ll look into that.

When the ECHP was refused a second time we were recommended to go for something called an IPRA as we were more likely to get that. That was refused too. The panel were corrupt in my mind. I did have a meeting with some panel but got told it was refused due to lack of evidence from services (which we didn’t have as everything had been cancelled due to Covid). The school now think that because he is doing well in school & they can manage his needs, he wouldn’t get an ECHP at the moment. X

If you are still within the timescales to appeal you should.

The Senco said that at the moment, my son wouldn’t get an ECHP. We’ve had 2 failed ECHPs and 2 rejected Ipras. I’m trusting the Senco as she has a very good reputation both within the school and the local community. The whole ECHP process is an absolute nightmare and I have no confidence in those on the judging ‘panel’ tbh.

Schools often tell parents their child won’t get or doesn’t need an EHCP but parents go on to apply and appeal successfully themselves. The LA aren’t the ones that decide appeals, it is SENDIST.

We applied twice for the ECHP and didn’t get anywhere. We appealed the IPRA and didn’t get anywhere.

Currently, I’m looking for ideas for clubs for my little man.

Martial arts are good for neurodiverse kids especially if they struggle with team sports.

I've found beavers and cubs great too.

I posted my ideas for clubs, after that I was trying to help with the EHCP refusals. Although you appealed the IPRA it is the LA who would judge the IPRA appeal but that isn’t the case with EHCP appeals it is SENDIST and the majority of appeals to SENDIST are upheld as LAs often refuse EHCPs.

Aw thanks. I’m hoping he’s on the waiting list for Beavers. We’ve actually chased it this week. I’ve had such bad experience where I’ve joined various clubs and then felt we had to leave (such as Rugby for tots and gym etc). I did wonder about martial arts but didn’t know where to start. X

I think it's about the leader, the group size, the noise level, and the balance between structure and freedom, rather than the activity.

For us, a traditional dance school was too structured, beavers and football too confusing. Stuff that's worked for us or others: golf, streetdance, horse riding, tennis, cricket all-stars. Club swimming, trampolining, indoor climbing for older ones. But I think it's the set up rather than the activity.