School, IEP and more problems

[debs40]

Why is there no such thing as joined up services? Why are parents always left doing the diplomatic two-step with ASD issues?

DS is described as having 'social communication difficulties' pending diagnosis(6 likey Aspergers) is undergoing assessment. Long wait on the social communication disorder team list for ADOS and the like and we're not likely to be seen until next year. They are truly crap so I am trying to get a referral to someone who knows what they are doing out of our PCT area.

Anyway, in the meantime, school don't know what to do with DS. They can see issues (eye contact, not asking for help, social skills etc) but have had to be pushed to do an IEP and SA as he's 'doing well' academically.

After what feels like a long struggle, and after the intervention of the SALT team, DS has an IEP and will probably be escalated to SA plus now the OT has become involved.

The IEP is pretty crap. Weaknesses - low self-esteem, mumbling. Errr, he has social communication difficulties. Targets include eye contact etc.

I spoke to community paed who has been great and she was going to get advice from Ed psych. Thought some in-school training might help.

In the meantime, I've been working with school to establish good communication and raise awareness.

Today, I go in and teachers are all upset as Ed psych has been on the phone all stroppy about the IEP demanding they remove certain targets without explanation. No offer of training.

Why aren't they working together? Why should I have to calm ruffled feathers? The local SCD team have no literature to provide to schools and they are left to get on with it.

Not sure I'd want the ed psych involved either if this is the way she does stuff.

It's so rubbish

Hiya claw - I am a lawyer (this isn't my field at alll!) so I have been interested to hear what you say.

You are dead right about the DDA stuff. It is about making reasonable accomodations to put your child in the same position as other children - effectively taking special measures (as long as they are reasonable adjustments) to secure equal access. It is good to use this terminology when making requests as schools should know what you're talking about without quoting the act!

I think 332B relates to the role of mediation in disputes and the creation of Parent Partnership as a way of facilitating this. It can apply within schools as well as to the statementing process so it looks like it could be used as a way of assisting with IEP problems. This means you would have to contact the PP in your area.

Thats uncanny, not only do our ds's appear to have similar problems, I worked in a solicitors office and studied Law! (not quite a Lawyer i might add)

Your right, 332B relates to a child with no Statement in place and could be used to get the statementing process underway or get what you want from an IEP without the school having to apply for a statement . Ie school disputed he needs the help you are asking for, but then decides applying the reasonable adjustments might be easier (blackmail or a gentle push in the right direction if you prefer!)

having to apply the assessment process that should have read, not statement

Parent Partnership can work very closely with LEA's and are thus not fully independent. The LEA I am in has the PP working out of the same building!.

You may find better counsel overall re special educational needs from organisations from IPSEA and SOS;SEN to name but two.

Attila - Im sure the NAS told me IPSEA could only help once you have a dx, is that correct?

No it's not claw. I''ve rung the a couple of times and found the very hellpful

It might have been in relation to a Tribunal, bit like ASD outreach will provide advice, but no help without a dx?

Hi claw

Never heard that re IPSEA.

IPSEA can attend tribunal as well with parents; they have certainly a separate Tribunal helpline.

The comment she made about IPSEA, is a bit vague now, i may well have my wires crossed.