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di30 · Newbie Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 1

Can anyone please help ?
My son is now 11 years old, and have received special needs education since starting school. In reception year the staff were concerned and he was referred to a child physcologist, as he was also different to other children his age. The physcologist just put it down to him being immature although he was only 4 years old. We moved home when our son then started year 1 in a new school, the staff there were also concerned as he would not get involved and mix and was a victim of bullying, and still is now.
He is now due to start secondary school in Sept 2006 and we were told by his teacher at parents evening that really he should be back a year, as he is not ready, and he still complains of being teased by other peers etc. He still received extra support for his education although he does tend to be quite intelligent. His art is like that of a 16 year old, and his mental maths is always above 6 or more out of 10, and he loves science, but for anything else he is so behind. We have also been informed that he will make fun and laugh at other peers for getting their work wrong although he's got his wrong too !
At home he has a routine, and will be upset by any changes, or if he thinks that someone has touched or moved his games (handheld computer games). If anyone came to the house to see our son, a friend etc, he will leave them to it and go into another room, as he likes to be alone.He adores animal, where his aunt has a horse for him, he would rather spend the day with a horse than bother with anyone else.
I had contacted by e-mail the autistic society, in which they forwarded me a local contact for support etc. I had done this and explained some of the issues of my son, and they recommended that my son should be assessed and if the school thinks there may be a problem with him they should at first instance contact the Ed Physcologist. I had told them this by letter, and when they contacted me by telephone just recently the head teacher said they will assess him but also want some sort of form from an authority sent to assess further etc. I had explained about them contacting the Ed Physcologist but not sure if they will do this.
I am obviously concerned as its only recently I have heard of aspergers and we do have our suspicions. I also have an autistic brother, and an autistic cousin, so would like to rule these issues out but do not know where to start. I wanted the school to assess and record this so I could make an appointment with our GP in hope of a referral. Any help and advice will be appreciated. Thank you so much.

Bazranz · Site Admin Joined: 22 May 2005 Posts: 176 Location: Hull

Sorry about the delay in replying.

You need to contact the Local Education Authority YOURSELF, in writing, and ask them for an assessment of your son's suitability for a statement of your sons special educational needs.

This is the same assessment that the school would arrange, but if a parent asks for it direct, which they are entitled to do, the respone is legally obliged to be far quicker.

Keep in constant contact with your schools SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)

I wish you luck. Our son, now approaching 15, has a statement and has never looked back.

Barry