15yo DD just diagnosed with autism

[athingthateveryoneneeds]

We are unsurprised - we've been operating under the assumption for years, but with her exams next year she needs more structured support in place.

How can I help her succeed? Is it too late to start the EHCP process? Is there any point in applying for DLA? Thanks.

Hopeful bump!

EHCP, no idea, sorry, hope someone else can advise.

Have you seen the SENCO at school? If not, ask re support which should have been outlined in her dx and a copy sent to school. If not, ask for a further assessment of her needs for school and any exams concessions that may be required.

You can apply for DLA if you think her needs are significantly greater than her peers, You/she will have to apply for PIP when she's 16.

EHCP ... speak to the Senco. We got dd’s EHCP at the start of year 10, far too late imo. But, it covers them (I believe) until age 25 in education. School should put adjustments in place to help your dd even without an EHCP. They should also apply for exam access arrangements for your dd. Mine has qualified for extra time, prompt and use of a laptop. You really need a meeting with senco where you can outline all the difficulties your dd faces.

DLA ... yes I’d apply if your dd meets the criteria.

We are also in the process of trying to get an ECHP for our 15 yo DD. She has GDD and Bi-Polar.

Be prepared for school to put obstacles in your way and say its too difficult. We were fobbed off a year ago when I asked for ECHP as I thought DD should transfer to a special school. Mainstream had applied for extra time in exams and a reader.

The situation got worse for us when DD was sectioned under the mental health act. But it was a blessing the hospital school unit have helped with the process a lot and DD's social worker which we didn't have a year ago. We got forced down the home school route. Not something I ever expected to do but its working for us.

Still need to apply for DLA and carers allowance but I'm too exhausted to fill in forms at the moment.

I applied for and got an EHCP for dd at the end of year 10/start of year 11 - she has ADD, GAD and ASD (high functioning). I thought it would be really difficult but it was not and I regret not trying earlier - she was diagnosed at 14. Her mental health went on to deteriorate hugely (self harm, eating disorder, suicidal thoughts and attempts) and she has been an in patient at an adolescent mental health unit for 4 separate extended periods. She is doing much better now - she is 17 - and will be starting A Levels in September with a massive amount of support and funding from the EHCP. Also, the knowledge and help from our EHCP officer was invaluable.

Our DD is 18, just diagnosed so I'll follow this with interest

Dd 15 also just finally diagnosed already has an ehcp but as they run to 25 if your dd needs one then apply

No point applying for dla you need to apply for PIP

we’re already being warned that dd will have to reapply as soon as she hits 16 even with an award that runs till one day before her 17th birthday

Our son was 21 when he finally got his EHCP (after a long battle with our shitty LA) and it is definitely worth it. He is now in a specialist college for students with ASD and is very happy.