Senco

[itsmee12]

Hi all just looking for some information as I’m new to this whole thing. My daughter (9) recently had a doctors appointment for another problem mean while i was having family members point out autism symptoms so I mentioned it to her doctor but he said she’s more of adhd than anything else and I didn’t take it any further. I was advised by my sister who has adhd and autistic children her self to arrange a meeting with her senco teacher 2 weeks down the line I still haven’t heard nothing from her school they just keep saying she’ll contact me. Has anyone else experienced this? She also told me to apply for dla while waiting for her diagnosis but I’m put off just incase she doesn’t get diagnosed with then it will be claimed wrongly. She definitely shows signs of adhd but I just don’t know how to go about any of it. Does anyone know what’s the best thing to do thank you

Chase again, but the SENCO may well just be busy. Have you spoken to the class teacher too? You could also speak to the GP again.

DLA is based on needs, not diagnosis.

Iv contacted the school several times about the meeting I just keep getting told the senco will contact me but still hasn't. Iv also asked to speak to her teacher but I'm still in the same place as when I started. I was taking a look at a copy of the dla form it asks about appointments and diagnosis's do you have any idea what I put in the box as she hasn't had any appointments or been diagnosed yet. I'm abit worried about applying without a diagnosis because I don't know what to put in some of the answer boxes. Thanks x

The most important part of the dla is listing where your child needs extra support than the average child of their age. You don't need a diagnosis, just lots of information about the times when they need the support. I'd start jotting some things down already. Think about things you do daily where you give your child additional support, you may not even realise you do it so take plenty of time to think about it. Things like extra things you do when your child is anxious, or whether they have issues eating certain foods.

Have you spoken to the headteacher?

DLA isn’t based on diagnosis. The Cerebra guide is helpful when completing the forms. When I complete forms when there isn’t a diagnosis, for the question asking you to tell them about any health conditions or disabilities, I write things like suspected autism or suspected ADHD and something explaining where you are in the process e.g. awaiting referral.