Is it worth applying for an EHCP?

[Ehcpquestion]

Hi, my DD is 16, recently diagnosed with autism and has just started 6th form.
She struggles massively with motivation/organisation and has found the workload way too much (I’ve an appointment to speak to the GP about ADHD referral next week).
College agreed (after a bit of a battle) to let her drop from 3 to 2 A Levels.
My DD doesn’t want any help in college, she finds working 1:1 with an adult stressful, doesn’t want to work in their quiet room (as she has tics which she’s really conscious of).
College have said that if she should want to do another A Level after these two (which she’s still not really coping with and would like to just do 1) then she will need an EHCP as they won’t get funding for her.
I feel like this is the way forward but as college aren’t spending any money on her and there isn’t any record of graduated response then is she likely to get it? All she wants/needs is time to do her A Levels at her own pace.
I asked SENDIASS and they really didn’t know what to suggest.
Anyone any ideas?

If DD can’t access full time education, which she can’t if she can’t cope with 3 A levels, you should apply for an EHCNA. IPSEA have a model letter you can use. You don’t need the college to have spent £6k or 2 cycles of assess/plan/do/review.

You are very lucky the college have agreed to dropping an A level because it has a negative effect of their funding as DD is no longer classed as full time. But going forward DD needs an EHCP to enable her to access education and get the appropriate support she needs. Do you have the college saying an EHCP is necessary in writing?

The benefit of an EHCP is it can provide therapies that DD wouldn’t otherwise get.

Be careful with SENDIASS. Some are good but too many aren’t and repeat the LA’s unlawful policies. IPSEA and SOSSEN are better.

In case it is relevant to you, because DD isn’t in full time education if you are claiming child benefit for DD you need to speak to HMRC. If DC can’t attend full time due to their disability there can sometimes be an extension. If not then DD can register with the local careers service to get a 20 week extension.

How's your DD getting on now @Ehcpquestion?

@PritiPatelsMaker Not too good thanks for asking. She had a couple of sensory overload type episodes over walking to college on rainy days. It’s a 45 minute walk each way and I just don’t think it’s feasible over winter. I’m a teacher and work in a town half an hour drive away and her dad is full time employed too. I looked into taxis which would be £8 each way.
She’s behind in all her work and feeling overwhelmed.
She had an appointment with CAMHS which she didn’t find helpful.
So I emailed college to ask for advice. They sent me a link for some kind of home education thing and asked if I want her taking off roll.
So I rang the local authority and spoke to a really helpful lady who said if I put in the EHCP request then she will email the right department to say it’s not as straightforward as it seems. So I’ve sent that in last week.
I said to DD that she can have a break from college (a permanent break if we can find an alternative). She’s spent the week pottering round at home and baking etc. Much happier and more relaxed.
I’m not sure what the future will hold.

They sent me a link for some kind of home education thing and asked if I want her taking off roll

That's shocking poor support. Can you arrange a meeting with them to discuss how you move forward and get her back to college?

How did you get on with the ADHD diagnosis? My DS is being assessed for this and A Levels were a struggle. We found a technique which I've later found is called "body doubling" helped him. So he'd work at his desk but one of us would be in his room maybe working or reading.

Has she had a look at How to ADHD? There are tonnes of self regulation techniques on there and some tips on studying

Have you looked at your LA’s post 16 transport policy?