Autism?

[Omegstrat6]

Hi Mick
As others have said, the most important thing is for him to get an EHCP. In order to get this you need a formal diagnosis. In our own case, we picked up that something was amiss when our youngest (now 18) went to nursery but it was not until he began having issues in reception class and a friend suggested possible aspergers, that we researched it further. In the end we downloaded some aspergers tests from the internet and used these in support of our discussions with both his GP and the school. This resulted in him being referred to an Occupational Therapist at the local childrens clinic and to him getting his formal diagnosis of aspergers. The Statement of educational special needs (since replaced by the EHCP) then followed.
Sadly, whilst an EHCP is a need-to-have, so much depends on your particular local county council, the individual school and individual teachers. We have met some brilliant people but they have all been hampered by lack of funding and increased workloads. Government funding for education has been continually eroded for years and particularly funding for those with special needs. Whilst some SENCO teachers have been excellent, others have clearly attended a few courses and are proof that a little knowledge is, indeed, a dangerous thing. The one thing that is almost a certainty is that you will have to be prepared to fight for any help/funding and be prepared to put up with a lot of frustration and being passed from pillar to post but hang in there!

I had attempted to post some tips/advice for those with children on the spectrum but am new to this forum and I either typed too much or it timed out and-despite auto-save-I lost it all! Will try and put on a separate post

[Omegstrat6]

Sorry-just one other thing:

Children on the spectrum love routine and so one thing almost guaranteed to ramp their anxieties up are certain surprises. Planning can be an important tool in avoiding a potential meltdown. For example, you suddenly decide to take the family out for a meal tonight. Don't just land this on them. It is far better if you let them know in advance so they can take in all the information and try and deal with their anxieties and they will probably want to know when they are going, where, who with and for how long as well as worrying about what they are going to have to eat.

OK. Thats it as Ive probably rambled enough. Hope some of it helps and good luck!