Autism in toddlers

[Beks1989]

My son is 3 and half and at nursery he is on long waiting list for autism and awaiting salt in the new year.
He loves nursery and they are getting someone out to come and assess him ready for school.
When I pick him up they always say he's had a lovely day but and it's either that he's been pushing other children and laughing as he finds it funny or trying to bite staff again because he thinks it's funny not out of frustration we think its because he's trying to get a response make people laugh as he can't communicate at all .
I worry so much for school as he just can't understand not to do it he thinks it's a game and a way to make friends when I tell him he just laughs . I'm lost with how to approach this .
He's also very good with potty at home he just goes on his own but won't tell anyone he needs to go so at nursery as there's no potty there and ge can't communicate he just pulls his pants down
I don't want to go back to beginning with a nappy again but also don't want him giving loads if accidents at school as other kids can be mean it's only wee he's very good with poo and very aware with that. I'm happy with any suggestions ☺️

Have a meeting with the nursery outlining his needs and difficulties and what support he may need and speak with alenco to see if you can have a plan put in place, I’m not sure which part of the uk your in but I’m in Wales and I have an IDP for my little one and have done since she started nursery she’s in nursery year 2 now. Like you we have been waiting a while to be assessed too.

If he can’t communicate verbally what have nursery put in place to help him?

What support is the nursery providing? Have they tried keeping a detailed diary and ABC charts to spot triggers?

The hitting and biting could also be related to sensory needs. Has DS had an OT assessment?

If the nursery hasn’t already, request an EHCNA. You can do this using one of the model letters IPSEA has on their website.

If they haven’t already, the nursery can apply for early years inclusion funding. This would enable them to provide closer supervision and more support. If DS receives DLA, they can also apply for Disability Access Funding (DAF).

Just found out today they are applying for a ehcp ready for school so that's good news . I don't get dla not really sure on how it works ?
I work and don't claim any benefits at the min

Nursery have been quite good they think when he's in bigger groups he acts out and better of in a small group

Suppose we will just have to see what happens .
Hes never bitten before last week but he's also trying to bite me and his dad and other objects I'm hoping it's his back teeth coming in as he's definitely not doing it out of frustration it's strange because he never ever gets angry he's the happiest little boy ever and loves laughing with others .

Does anyone have a child who has gone to a mainstream primary school with a ehcp how does that help them at school ?

You can apply for DLA. Call for a form. Then if you complete it and return by the date given, and it’s awarded, it will be backdated to when you call. Cerebra has a guide that can help you complete the form.

Make sure the nursery does request an EHCNA ASAP and doesn’t say they are going to, but don't actually do it for months, which is what some do.

An EHCP can provide the support DS needs. Whether that’s in a mainstream school or otherwise. The support in EHCPs is based on the individual child’s needs but can include things like 1:1, SALT and OT.