[senco-forum] mum in denial

Just done a statement review on a Y3 lad. The statement is for expressive

The positives seem to be that Mum is happy about the existence of the
statement and agrees that the school should seek additional funding.

The confusion seems to be that although she is happy for you to seek
additional funding, she isn't happy about what you intend to do with it. (Is
that right?) The hint is that when you try to adopt approaches and types of
support that you feel best address the child's needs, Mum objects.  This
seems to be the bigger issue.  What then does Mum see as the purpose of the
funding?

If Mum doesn't want a new assessment (and some parents can become
emotionally exhausted by the effects of the assessment process on them and
the child), she need not be too worried: the Local Authority is far more
likely to provide additional funding than to issue an amended statement or
carry out a fresh statutory assessment.  (Statistically, it still isn't very
likely to provide additional funding either, but let's be positive.)

If you apply for additional funding setting out the needs and behaviours
that the additional provision is intended to address, but without mentioning
ASD or seeking an updated assessment, is there any increased likelihood that
Mum will agree?  Can you seek advice from the EP, based on your observation
and description of the behaviours, but without asking for an updated
individual assessment?  Is the label 'ASD' the stumbling block?  If you were
to offer Mum your professional assessment that the child has ASD tendencies,
would you get a denial?

No idea whether any of this helps, but sometimes you're led towards a
solution by answering re-aligned questions.  Hope you make progress.

Biff

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mary Ross" <maross13 at yahoo.co.uk>
To: "senco forum" <senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk>
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 4:43 PM
Subject: [senco-forum] mum in denial

> Just done a statement review on a Y3 lad. The statement is for expressive
> and receptive language difficulties and articulatory dyspraxia.  As a
> younger child he was assessed for autism using the ADOS test, which gave a
> negative result.  However it is clear this boy is very different and more
> 'asd' than an official Aspergers in the same class.  I would like him
> reassessed by the Ed Psych to advise the school on how to best deal with
his
> difficulties and for the statement to be updated with this assessment and
> advice.  Mum absolutely refuses to let this go ahead.  She says we know
what
> his difficulties are as we write them in the review and why do we need
> another assessment.  I must have spent hours trying to explain why I
thought
> professional advice was necessary especially as she is more than happy to
> retain the statement and agree to ask for extra funding.  Yes I do know
how
> to work with this child assuming he is 'asd'.  Mum however thinks that
> whenever we mention a particular example of obsessive or unusual behaviour
> she can just tell him to stop and the problem will disappear.  What is
> happening unfortunately is that the lad is becoming distressed and anxious
> as to why he is not allowed to do certain things.  I'm sure that he has
ASD
> tendencies, Mum is denying these behaviours and is causing the boy
distress.
>  If we treat the boy as we think we should Mum gives us grief. In my
weaker
> moments I feel like letting her do it her way and letting her pick up the
> pieces!! (Not really!)  Any suggestions please?
>
>
> Mary.  Senco. Norfolk Junior School.
>
>
>
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