Moving back to U.K. with an ASD DD

[ClubTropicananana]

Hi all, I’m a mum of a 4yo ASD girl. We’ve recently moved back to the U.K. from a 7 years in a country which isn’t particularly inclusive and which mostly follows the American model of ASD treatment with a focus on ABA and ‘cures’ (like extinguishing behaviours, encouraging eye contact), so please forgive me if anything I write isn’t aligned with how ASD is currently approached in the U.K.

My DD will start at a mainstream U.K. primary in September. I’d love some tips on how to approach things:

• do we need to get an ehcp? My DD was classed as Level 1 in our previous country- obvious stims, some social difficulties, some sensory issues, but overall high functioning and low support needs. Can the school just help with a few accommodations (like a quiet lunch spot) without an ehcp?
• do schools and the NHS generally accept overseas diagnosis or do we need to join the queue for a U.K. diagnosis?
• my daughter flaps when excited. It’s her only obvious sign of ASD. People in our previous country were starting to notice annd comment, and while no one was particularly unkind, we’re worried that she might be targeted for bullying etc at school as she gets older. Are kids, teachers and people in general in the U.K. very accepting of ASD and stimming?
• where’s the best source of support? We were used to paying for private care, but is that a thing in the U.K.? Or is there charitable or local council support?

Any other tips really welcome.

1.Whether you need an EHCP depends on DD’s needs. The school must make their best endeavours to meet a pupils SEN even without an EHCP, but an EHCP legally guarantees the support set out within it and can provide far more than would otherwise be available, including therapies.

IPSEA and SOSSEN (charities) have lots of helpful information on their websites about education and SEN in England. EHCPs only apply to England, if you are elsewhere in the UK they have their own system and charities.

If you haven’t already it would be a good idea to speak with the SENCO at the primary school DD will be attending.

2.Whether the NHS accepts oversees diagnoses generally depends on the assessment process and individual GPs. The best way to find out in your particular case is by speaking to the GP.

3.Like everywhere, some people are more accepting than others.

4.Independent support can be paid for if that’s what you want. You could also see what is available in your area on the NHS. In many areas you can self refer to SALT, OT (not all areas commission sensory OT on the NHS but it’s worth a referral even if your area doesn’t), CAMHS. If you can’t your GP will be able to, you could also ask for a paed referral if you need.

Support such as therapies can also be included in an EHCP if you go down that route.

You can request social care assessments too. A carer’s assessment for you and an assessment via the disabled children’s team for DD. Contact (another charity) have more information on their website about this.

There are various other charities that can provide support/grants. There may be support groups locally that would be a good source of local knowledge on what charities etc. are available locally.