10 year DD diagnosed with ASD - hit me with your tips

[BookGoblin]

Hi all

First post on this board. DD was diagnosed yesterday.

Currently achieving well in school, her main issues are social communication and sensory overwhelm. Very high anxiety which presents as OCD, which can be severe when she's very disregulated.

What are the best things I can do next and going forward to support her? I am going to book a meeting with school.

She's pleased to her diagnosis and embracing her special traits. But of course, secondary school next year is a worry.

Would love advice on anything you did to support your Autistic daughter at this age

Thank you

Is DD receiving any support for her anxiety and OCD?

Has she had a sensory OT assessment? Some people find the book the Out of Sync Child helpful.

Is DD actually achieving well at school or is it she is doing well academically but struggling (even if masking whilst at school) in other ways?

What support has the school already been providing?

Thanks for replying @BrightYellowTrain!

No sensory assessment. She is doing well academically but struggles more and more socially.

Just read her full report, it recommends an EHCP application. Which feels a lot for a child who is achieving.

EHCPs are about far more than academic ability. DC who are academically able can still have EHCPs. You should request an EHCNA. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

Not all ICBs commission sensory OT on the NHS. If your area does, it is worth a referral. In some areas, you can self refer. If you request an EHCNA and the LA agree to assess, a sensory OT assessment can be part of the needs assessment even if your area doesn’t have sensory OT available on the NHS.

Has DD had a SALT assessment?

@BrightYellowTrain

A SALT has been recommended. It's a private diagnosis so no idea about NHS pathways, her primary school haven't ever flagged a single issue as she masks so hard, hence having to go private.

What would a sensory OT assessment add to the picture?

A sensory OT assessment can help with the sensory processing difficulties that lead to overwhelm and dysregulation. OT can also help with other things as well as the sensory issues such as emotional regulation and social interaction.

SALT can help with social interaction and communication and emotional regulation too.

You may be able to find your local NHS SALT and OT services by googling. If not speak to the school or GP.

The school should be providing support. Definitely speak to the SENCO.

@BrightYellowTrain

The SENCO is a neurodiversity denier.

It's shocking really

Thank you for the steers

If the SENCO is not supportive, go to the Headteacher. The school has a legal duty to make their best endeavours to meet DD’s SEN. They must also make reasonable adjustments.

Definitely recommend a sensory assessment if you can get one. It'll give you a detail picture of any under-sensitivities and over-sensitivities which really helps understand their behaviours and how they need to regulate . And can be useful evidence to give to a school if any special adjustments are needed. The sensory profile is very different from child to child, so no two autistic kids are the same

My DS is over-sensitive to noise and light. Which explains so much about his sleeping habits as a baby. He would only sleep if his room was pitch black. Camera flashes make him scream in pain. He is under sensitive to vestibular and proprioceptive senses - so he has issues with balance and has reduced tactile sensitivity so can appear very much like a dyspraxic child sometimes.

When you understand their needs, you can mitigate issues which in turn reduces anxiety.