Asperger boy is “too bright for services”
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Better support, services, SEN assessments & statements for children with Aspergers in primary school.
Claire Parkinson has created this petition because
Today I become the voice of my 9 yr old son diagnosed with Aspergers. Since he was diagnosed over 1 year ago his primary school has refused any extra support, services or even a SEN assessment. Reason they say his to clever. Suffering with a social communication disorder with added sensory issues I feel help is needed. He has been excluded for not following instructions and once back he is excluded from lunch breaks as staff can’t handle him. I will have to collect and take him home everyday for 1 hr. Help! He has special educational needs and a statement is his only way forward in mainstream school. He is who he is and he should not be punished for this.
UK residents and British citizens are eligible to sign. Please sign the petition
Claire’s dilemma illustrates the issues surrounding the proposal to merge Aspergers and Autism in a single Autistic spectrum Disorder in DSM-V. Having a diagnosis of Aspergers is no use if it is used to deny access to services, as has happened in the case of Claire’s son.
Whatever the eventual outcome it is clear that, so long as authorities use diagnostic categories as one size fits all gateways to services, problems like this will always occur. Individual assessment and provision tailored to meet identified needs will always be required regardless of the presence or absence of any diagnostic label.
Comment by JR | February 19th, 2010
Same thing happened to me, I have severe sensory issues but I am considered “too smart” to receive services. They wouldn’t even state clearly that I had Aspergers, just that I may fall “somewhere” on the spectrum.
Comment by andrea | February 20th, 2010
This is foolish! The diagnostic labels are descriptive, not prescriptive. First they say they can’t deal with his needs, then they say he doesn’t have any — what a bunch of bull!
Comment by Alyson Bradley AsPlanet | February 20th, 2010
Trying to continually have to over explain to others, who still have no clue frustrating to say the least, as they seem to have more excuses not to support us, than to support us!
Comment by Claire Louise | February 28th, 2010
Been meaning to pass by and thank you for writting this post. At last the school have said they will support me in asking for an assessment but I’m hoping they keep their word. Maybe they have had enough of him or its because they know they gonna look sill in court. What ever it is I don’t care as long as the do what they have said and give me the support I have asked for since day one.
Thanks again for posting this.
Claire Louise.x
Comment by arthur Piantadosi | March 23rd, 2010
There’s this minority of people who, in their gut, either don’t really believe special needs children and adults need the supports they get, or are afraid that they will “catch” whatever it is autistics have, not that this is possible.
Comment by H. M. Norrell | April 9th, 2010
We had to “prove” our son had Aspergers and even now, everything is a fight to see that the approved services are actually carried through.
Comment by Leah | April 13th, 2010
Hi, my son is eight, is very bright and has Aspergers and we have a statement and full-time 1-1. However, it wasn’t just handed to us - we really fought for it. If the school won’t instigate the statementing process you can do it. Contact Parent Partnership and they will help. Go onto the Mumsnet’s special needs board and you will find other parents who have gone through this. Re the lunchtime exclusions, just don’t tolerate this. My son’s school tried this, we went along with it for a while, then realised it was just letting the school duck its responsibilities. We went into the school, called a meeting and made it very clear we would no longer take him out at lunchtime, and it was the school’s responsibility to take care of it, and, if they could not cope, then they needed to support the statementing process. I was called ’scary’, but ’scary’ works! Also, the school will not want to make the exclusion official, as this impacts on its Ofsted report, so make it clear to them that you will only take your son if he is excluded officially by the LEA, and watch them jump! An official exclusion is very useful in getting a statement. This school is only doing what many do, I’m afraid, and a petition won’t really help. Remember, refusing a statement with claims of a blanket policy (ie clever children can’t get one) is actually illegal. http://www.ipsea.org.uk is a very useful organisation re the law and preparing to fight for your own statement.
Oh, and once you get a statement, you will probably have to appeal it to get the provision you really need (ie the right number of hours/speech therapy etc). It’s boring and tiring and grim, but it’s the only way, sadly. Good luck!
Comment by ashley burrows | May 4th, 2010
My son is 6 and has Aspergers and I am just beginning the statementing process but had to request myself. My son was restrained 4 times today for outbursts and if that doesnt scream I need one to one I dont know what does. But I realise I have a massive fight on my hands……
Its helpful to see others stories as thats all we have to compare to and we must fight until we get whats right for our children as no one else will for them.
Much love to you all…x
Comment by Ellen Wilks | June 6th, 2010
Thank you for your article. It’s good to read something related to Asperger’s that actually makes sense. I’ve got a similar website myself, so will keep popping back to see what else you’ve posted.
Comment by ashley burrows | June 9th, 2010
Well I eat my words today I heard my boy has been given 21 hours support a week on his statement and I didnt have to fight the school backed me and we got more than we ever hoped.
Keep the fight for your kids going dont give up xx
Comment by Frustrated Mum | June 30th, 2010
I think everyone is missing the point it is not what you are diagnosed with it is what special educational help you require to meet your childs special educational needs ie you dont even have to have a diagnosis of anything to warrant a statement - if the school cannot meet those needs within its budget then the law states that the provision has to be made via a statement - full stop. Good luck and remember you are the EXPERT. From Mum of 7 tribunals - won them all.