Should I pursue EHCP for yr4 dd with asd

[User364837]

Dd (coming up 9yrs) was diagnosed with autism on the NHS last autumn. At school it mainly manifests in anxiety, difficulty going in in the morning, sometimes difficulty engaging in the work, and some friendship difficulties. We have more issues at home with behaviour, sleep and toileting but she is relatively self aware and masks a lot at school 😔
she is behind academically (a bit below standard expected for her age) but not drastically.

school have a written support plan about helping her get in the classroom in the mornings (I’ve cut down bfast club and the teacher meets her at the door and kind of hug/walks her in) but she still screams and cries and fights a bit on many of the mornings.
She gets various targeted interventions with her work, alongside other kids.

they’re aware of the diagnosis but we haven’t had a meeting with the senco ever.

she seems ok(ish) currently and they’re supporting her the best they can. I don’t think they will feel an EHCP is necessary.

im worried about secondary school in a couple of years and the potential for anxiety to increase. The state options near us are very large (1500) and overwhelming places / I have 2 older dds there. If she struggles in her lovely nurturing primary school how will she get on there?

I’ve heard echps can take a couple of years. Should I fight for the process to start now even though she’s getting by and doesn’t need 1:1 or anything?

has anyone been in a similar position and got any advice?

I want to be clear what I want before I talk to school

[MabelsBeats]

Please go for it.

Don’t leave it until she gets to secondary, genuinely can’t cope, and you are then looking at over a year to get one. It’s then too late.

[Headfirstintothewild]

Yes, request an EHCNA now. Also request a meeting with the SENCO.

[User364837]

Thank you, that’s pretty clear advice
im worried they will try and talk me out of it because they don’t feel the need for additional resources right now but parents can request them can’t they?
am ready for the fight 💪

[Headfirstintothewild]

On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use to request an EHCNA.

[Phineyj]

EHCP support thread no. 2 - www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/4989146-ehcp-support-thread-no-2