Newbie saying hi and questions

[LegoLady95]

Hello everyone, I've lurked for a short while and this is my first post. I have 2 sons, DS1 is 2.7 and was diagnosed with ASD in Dec 09.DS2 is 17m and NT for his age.
DS1 scored 41.5 on the CARS score putting him in 'severely autistic' range.He has practically no communicative speech just some echolalia.
I was hoping for some advice on statements. When I spoke to the Ed Phsyc on the phone about a nursery place for him, she told me about a local school with autism classes, and said 'but they are for children with a statement', I said 'but he will need a statment won't he?' and she said 'perhaps'. She was part of the assessment team who diagnosed him as 'severe'.Surely if he is 'severe' he will need a statement? Her comment has made me uneasy,and I don't know what I should be doing to get things started. He is due to start his nursery year in Sept 10. Can he get a statement this young? Might he be able to get extra help in nursery,or is it just for school age?
Thanks
LegoLady

Welcome to the board and you have come to the right place, as you'll get great advice from mums with autistic kids here.

The Ed Psych is paid by the LEA to put you off getting a statement as it is too expensive for them. I too was given these tactics - "oh don't you go worrying your [pretty little] head about statements, as it's far too early".

The truth is that you can apply now, and the fact that you have a "severe" diagnosis will help your case. Though note that a child who is "severe" at this age, may turn out very differently later on, especially with early intervention which is proven to be a big factor in a good outcome, so don't lose heart.

Write a letter to the head of SEN at your LEA (google the correct name).

Say "I am writing to request a statutory assessment of my child for special educational needs under the 1996 Education Act". Then give brief details about the diagnosis - who gave it, when and the "severe" bit.

They are then legally bound to assess your child and will find it hard to wriggle out of a statement.

A pal of mine on this very board got a statement for her boy at about 2.10, so don't get fobbed off with the age thing.

Good luck!

Thank you both so much, exactly the practical advice I need. I am on the case, and will keep the board updated.