Review of the National Autism Strategy ‘Think Autism': call for evidence

[ByGrabtharsHammarWhatASaving]

Might be a good chance for anyone here who has or works with children with ASD to raise concerns about the NAS, the links between ASD and GID, and concerns in general about the effect of trans teaching in schools on children with ASD.

I haven’t done that.

To quote you, just repeating something over and over again doesn't make it true.

You're also calling me and others liars by saying it.

So I'm out, I've dealt with more than enough people like you in RL, I have neither the time, inclination nor the energy to bother online.

But know this, you are part of the problem

You won't admit it, you won't realise it and it is other people who will bear the brunt of your ignorance and refusal to listen.

Isn't that always the case?

I hope you aren't so obtuse when your child is trying to explain things to you.

@InTheHeatofLisbon Thank you!

We struggle to get dd to attend even autism specific clubs because she just doesn't feel comfortable while there.

Her sister did swimming, ballet, horse-riding and dd wants none of that, for sensory reasons, but also because she has low muscle tone and she struggles with physical activity.

InTheHeartofLion you might want to contact Enquire.org.uk if school are refusing to provide support due to lack of diagnosis. They should be able to suggest a way forward. Scottish Law is very clear support in schools is based on need not diagnosis (though diagnosis may help evidence need). If you have been told otherwise then they are wrong and possibly trying to wriggle out of the cost of support. It would also hardly make sense to use diagnosis as support needs for an individual with autism can vary from 3:1 support, specialist schooling, individual curriculum and communication support to mainstream education with a few in class adaptations. However, not having a diagnosis is not the same as not having an assessment of support needs and such an assessment should be carried out regularly to determine needs.

InTheHeartofLion you also have a right to request assessments for your child.

InTheHeartofLion you might find this helpful: www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and-guidance/2017/12/supporting-childrens-learning-statutory-guidance-education-additional-support-learning-scotland/documents/00529411-pdf/00529411-pdf/govscot%3Adocument/00529411.pdf

Birdsfoottrefoil thank you for all that information, it's really useful. One of my friends is struggling at the moment and I'll pass it on to her.

Thankfully my children have dx and have fantastic support, which is why I was so adamant that support doesn't come without diagnosis, since I've been down that road 3 times now. I mentioned being in Scotland since one poster was determined that the UK laws were UK wide which just isn't true.

I really do appreciate that info, I've had dealings with enquire before and they've been ace.

differentnameforthis aye I know what you mean, DS1 left a club for kids with ASN because their record keeping and documentation of incidents was appalling and if it wasn't for our neighbour's children telling their mum DS1 was being targeted by the organiser's NT older son I'd never have known. So I pulled him out and there was an investigation done. Currently we're looking at 2 other clubs to see if they suit him but it's hard because options are so limited.

I hope you find something that suits your DD soon.

My son is currently on the Autism diagnosis pathway, he is 14, quite a late diagnosis for a boy. Our experience is there is very little support whilst on this pathway. The school have said they will put him on the sen register if he gets a diagnosis. He has told me he thinks that no one at school cares at all, he's right they don't. It feels like a constant battle with them.

Shocked by some of the attitudes on here.

I'm 45 and have had an official ASD diagnosis for 2 years. Prior to that, I was "self-diagnosed" as it's almost impossible to access diagnostic services as a "high-functioning" female.

My daughter was recently diagnosed too and has only been able to access accommodations at school SINCE she got her diagnosis.

While it's only right that help should be based on need and not contingent on diagnosis, the reality sadly is that if you have an "invisible" impairment such as what used to be called Aspergers, schools can't (or refuse to) see the need and therefore won't help.