Getting a Statement of Special Needs for an Asperger's child

[abilicious]

My son, 12 years old, was finally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was seven. He has always attended mainstream school, although he has not been challenged academically for a number of years. We were advised by his primary school that he required a statement of special needs to support him through the transition from primary to senior education, but the LEA has turned us down, on the grounds that my son is 'too able'. Having spoken at length with Special Needs advisors within the LEA, it seems unlikely that we will ever get the statement that my son needs, particularly so now that he is struggling in senior school. Any suggestions as to where we go from here? We have on our side the SENCO at his school, his Head of Year, my son's psychologist and the Speech and Language Therapist at the after-school class he has attended.

Thanks in hope.

[missrandom]

apparently, the way the statements are given is different now, and its all about cost cutting!!as usual! I would appeal if u can, maybe threaten legal action, go to the local paper, etc good luck

[saxy_jag]

Having PA'd for a team of SEN advisers, I can tell you that having a statement isn't all it's cracked up to be. It does not mean that you child will necessarily get any more help than he's getting at the moment. To my mind, all it does is label the child - which could be a disadvantage as he gets older.

The way schools are funded for SEN support changes all the time, but it's usually retrospective and they may still not be able to provide the resources needed.

[kags]

I would have to disagree with the comment that a Statement could be a disadvantage - your child has Aspergers, that's already a label which you and he will have to come to terms with. The main thing a Statement does is provide the school with money, and these days that is very very important. It sounds as if you have a lot of support, particularly the psychologist - if she is the LEA psychologist, they usually hold a lot of sway. My advice would be to keep a detailed diary of your son's diificulties for a few weeks, get as much evidence as you possibly can, and write to your local MP, copying your letter to the LEA. Ask the SENCO, psych, teacher and SALT to provide you with letters of support. You will ned to be very persistent, good luck!