Boolocks, bollocks, bollocks. ASD unit refused...

[silverfrog]

Title says it all really.

dd1 has been refused entry to the ASD unit because she is too passive.

The head of the unit came and assessed her, and ability wise, she is fine. She then observed her at pre-school (mainstream, with support) and her conclusion is that dd1 needs more help than they can give her. She is recommending the local special school.

There is NO way dd1 is going to the special school. She will be totally overlooked there, and not stretched at all.

We really thought, after the home assessment that we were in with a good chance - our biggest concern was that dd1 would not be seen as able enough to go to the unit, as she (unsurprisingly) reacts negatively to strange people being around, and tends to go very quiet and unco-operatve.

she handled the home part fairly well, and also the report that has come back to us states that she complied with everyhting asked of her at pre-school.

the problem is that dd1 did not instigate anything, or make any moves to initiate contact (although she did, when asked, answer questions and comply with tasks - sticking, sorting etc)

just what do they want from her? she is only 4, and tbh, aside from being quite time intensive (if not given fairly constant support she drifts off into her own world, and wanders about) she is a dream to have in a classroom. Very little challenging behaviour (they're lucky - they don't have to give her baths ) and usually, a huge willingness to please. she does get a bit edgy if she doesn't understand what she is supposed to do, but that's only to be expected.

so, if the ASD unit can't handle her, where on earth are we supposed to send her?!

That is the stage we have reached. We are about to ask for a final statement and then appeal. They have included some of what we asked for in the statement and we are trying to squeeze in a bit more.

We are getting legal help from an advocate employed by the school we want her to go to and do have faith in him. It is such an awful process and sooo frustrating. I feel like I have an extra really crap parttime job but we need to get this right or die trying!!

Silverfrog hugs!!
My son was originally turned down by the special school he now goes to because he was too autistic! I was devastated since ms had seriously failed him already and I could see no resolution ( I think I would have gone under if I had had to home school unaided the only other alternative)!! (but fortunatly he got the place in the end)!
Is there a special (or private asd) school a bit further away that might suit? Some specials are almost all for kids with ASD. Ds school is priceless pity it ends at 11!
(I think it was exploring the costly alternatives whilst gearing up to appeal that reversed the original decision!)

Thanks eveeryone.

Some interestin gstatistics there, DIL, which certainly makes us feel a bit better.

dd1's ABA consultant has said that we are not deluded in thinking that dd1 is able enough for the unit (we knew it really, but with so many people not seeing the same dd1 as we do, we were beginning to wonder just a little...), so now we just need ot decide where to go form here.

We heard today that dd1's case is going back before county panel on 20th Oct (funny ow they can get their act together when it suits them), and I assuem the outcome of that (if we make no move before then) will be to name a special school for dd1.

dh & I are going to try to set up a meetin gwith the head of the unit asking why she makes no mention of dd1's abilities in her report (just lists why she would not be suitable for the unit). When she left us, after the first meeting, she said very clearly to us that she had no concerns aout dd1's abilities. How she can then go on to recommend that dd1 goes to a school where there is not a single pupil NOT working on P scales at the end of KS2 is beyond me - dd1 would just be left wandering about by herself, in her usual non-challenging way.

The main point the head of the unit makes is that dd1 needs 1 to 1. So our counter is going to be that she should have it, but at a place that is suited to her educationally, which is the unit.

Watch this space - I have a feelign this one might run and run...