8 yr old just diagnosed with ASD, what next?

[Lovegame]

My 8 yr old DD has been diagnosed with ASD. We went down private diagnosis due to school transition this summer and knowing the new school has reputation of only supporting a child with a diagnosis. We won’t get the report for 4ish weeks. What I can I read and do to support her?

Ask for a meeting with the current SENCO. Also, speak to the SENCO at the new school.

Do you already receive DLA? If not, consider applying.

Suggestions for supporting DD and useful reading will depend on DD’s needs, so explaining more about what you want support with will help people respond with suggestions.

Thank you. We have an IEP meeting with SENCO next week. She is maternity cover and not experienced in this role.

DD’s biggest issues are anxiety caused by disregulation due to sensory overwhelm and social interaction which impacts on her ability to understand and follow instructions. She has a relative deficit in processing speed. The effects of the disregulation are all internal at school but external at home.

She does have a report with recommedation from before Christmas so I’m going to make sure I’m aware of all the recommendations.

Academically she is doing very well so historically school and especially the new senco when she was her class teacher didn’t see any issues.

I don’t think she would qualify for dla. I do spend more as a result of her needs but I’m not that would be enough. I also think it’s now more difficult to claim?

Appearing to be fine at school and exploding at home signifies there are unmet needs at school. If school was easier, home life would improve too. The school needs to be providing more support. You could ask if they run sensory circuits, nurture group &/or Lego therapy. Do they have anyone who can support emotional literacy/Zones of Regulation work? Are they breaking instructions do, giving them in written form, checking DD has processed instructions? Has DD tried using a laptop or tablet to record work rather than writing?

Does DD use noise cancelling headphones or ear defenders? If not, it is worth trying them. Also, thinking about things like placement within the classroom, proper movement breaks, somewhere quieter to eat at lunchtime, arriving/leaving 5/10mins early or late through a quieter entrance.

For the sensory overwhelm, has DD had a sensory OT assessment? Some people find the book the Out of Sync Child helpful.

From your posts, I suspect DD would be eligible for DLA. Have a look at the Cerebra guide. I suspect you are doing things you don’t realise count.

You could also request an EHCNA. You may have to appeal, but you can get EHCPs for DC who mask &/or are academically able.