Hello - I'm new to this - educational statement or not?

[Sweeperroo]

Hello. I am new to MN and thought I would say hello. My DS is 3.1 and does not talk other than the odd word although can say more he chooses not to. He had a Sadler assessment in Feb and has been referred to a number of groups in the local area which are helping with the social and communication issues that he has. Autism has been mentioned and he is due to have autism assessment v soon. I suspect that he is likely to be diagnosed on the ASD despite some conflicting behaviours. He is seeing an educational psychologist soon too and wondered how much we should push for him to be statemented? All the guidance we have had so far is from local professionals and would welcome any opinions so that we are not railroaded by them. Many thanks for your help.

hello

there are a few of us with speech delayed children on here; my ds3 is on the first percentile for receptive and expressive (he is 4.5), asd has been discussed as i also have ds1 who is HFA

Statements- personally, I would say apply every time. They can be stressful and ahrd work to get but ultimately they are the only guarantee of any help your child can get. both of mine have the and its helped so very much.

Have a look at the website run by IPSEA, and also see if there is a branch of SNAp near you.

Oh- and welcome!

Hiya,
I echo what Peachy has said. I would def go for a statement as it will open so many doors for your Son.

good luck

Ds1 (7) was similar at that age and doesn't have a statement but we've been extremely lucky with finding a school that could give him the help he needed and ds1 has come a long way there. In your position I would say to definitely apply for a statement.

Good luck.

Hi! Ds had language delay and is still below 1st centile in this and other skills. Knowing what I know now, he would have been entitled to support from early on. Schools or nurserys should be in the best position to apply for a statement for their pupils but for some reason (lack of time/staff/interest - I dont know?) some schools drag their heals and -dont. As a parent you can apply for an assessment (I do not know why this fact is so poorly advertised!), and it is so much easier if help is in place before school starts. Its like getting water out of a stone otherwise. Get armed with all the information ( see IPSEA), gather up reports (SALT/OT/Paed etc)and any other information to support why your child will need extra support at nursry/school, and request an assessment. Good luck!

Thanks so much for all your comments and help. Reading the SEN code of practice made me wonder as they indicate that a statement before school age is rare but sounds like it is essential to push for one.

My ds (ASD) had a dx and statement before entering school.

Re applying for statements - It is always better that the parent makes the application (in an ideal world with the schools support). Parents have the right to appeal if assessment is rejected; schools do not.

IPSEA have a good website and all LEA's have to have a parent partnership service that should be able to offer support and advice (although PP do vary depending on area)

Good luck