SN first SENCo meeting

[WafflingDreamer]

I'm having our first meeting with my DDs SENCo tonight and I'm feeling so overwhelmed with everything.

My DD is in year 1 and her teacher thinks she may have situational mutism and is writing a referral to get her assessed for hypermobility. Since the teacher mentioned it I've looked into situational mutism and it does seem to fit with how my DD behaves.

Research suggests that hypermobility and SM are huge red flags towards an ASD diagnosis. She does display a lot of sensory seeking behaviours at home but school have never raised any issues about any of this until recently.

What should I expect the SENCo to do? Will they get experts in to get a diagnosis before they do anything? How do they diagnose any of these things and what if any support are they likely to offer

Support in schools is based on needs, not diagnosis therefore the school should be putting in place support now. Examples of support could be things like more a wobble board, sensory circuits, movement breaks, time out card, ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones, writing slope, starting to use a laptop, nurture group, placement within the classroom... If DD has problems with fine or gross motor skills does the school offer any interventions.

Schools don’t diagnose, but they refer on for assessment. As well as a referral for hypermobility specifically ask for a referral for an ASD assessment and SALT or you could look whether you can self refer as in some areas you can. You could also ask for a sensory OT assessment if your ICB commissions sensory OT assessments on the NHS.

If you think an EHCP is necessary you could look at requesting an EHCNA. If the LA agree to assess it would include assessments such as an educational psychologist assessment and you can request SALT and OT assessments.