Ehc Plan Educational Health Care Plan For Young Adult

[Karamia]

I am hoping for anyone with experience of this. I am having traumatic experience (hence the high blood pressure) trying to fight to keep my 21 year old son's EHC plan in place so he can continue at college for another year which is completely needed and in his best interests. The quote from online info says the EHCP is for, "young people aged 19-25 who because of SEND need more time to finish their education or training." There is no caveat anywhere that says this only applies to severely disabled young adults, but I have continually been told that no one gets to keep the EHCP past age of 20. This is from college, local authority etc. I am so stressed. There is no help out there for families trying to get best for their children. Since he became an 'adult' things have been harder. Agencies you would hope would help and support, be positive and encouraging have done nothing but tell me "NO" or "he won't be allowed to do x,y,z" I have persisted at every obstacle (they would have let him leave at 19 had I not argued against it) but I have been proved right every year when he has achieved more than they ever believed he could, because I have worked with him at home also but now I am back fighting again despite it being in his best interests to stay at college another year with a course to go onto, and think they should be more flexible especially after almost 2 covid years in lockdown. He is making progress every year and just needs more time to mature in this environment but they say he is ready for employment next?!!! Mentally he is around 16 years old. If anyone can point me to any help I would be most grateful. I would also love to hear from anyone with adult autistic children.
Thanks in advance

[Buenchico]

Have you appealed to the SEND Tribunal?
https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help

[Karamia]

I think that's next step now, Chris. I already knew that. (More stress to come in next few months.) But it's all so hard. I guess I just can't understand why there are so many obstacles in the way. These agencies offer no help or support, you are dealing with it on your own constantly under threat of deadlines but no one wants to get back to you. To me it seems so simple and he is improving along this path so well but is just NOT ready for a jump to employment. Another year and I think he actually might be ready. Ive never wanted him to have a life on benefits or PIP like so many others Ive seen at various meetings. They just look like lost souls with no futures. No one at college has done any transitional work for my son to get ready for leaving college or even started preparing him for the adult world after leaving college. The shock will have adverse affect on his mental health.

[Buenchico]

Some helpline contacts:

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/education-advice-line

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/tribunal-support-line

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/transition-support-service

Some general info:
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/information-about-autism/preparing-for-adulthood

[Karamia]

Chris, you are a godsend! You are like a saviour when anyone is in need. I want to thank you so much for the help you give when no one else seems to care. I am so grateful to you.

[Karamia]

What sort of judge makes the decision at tribunal?

[Buenchico]

Thanks for your kind comments.

I've just found this link to an organisation that specialises in helping people in similar positions to your current one:
https://www.sen-help.org.uk/

That, in turn, has provided with a link to a set of six YouTube videos, produced by HM Courts and Tribunals Service, which explain the workings of the SEND Tribunal. (They'll hopefully answer your question about how decisions are arrived at):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLORVvk_w75PxU3wF72j3jLYqGqISyMhZ4

[Karamia]

I am so grateful for your help, Chris. I have not slept in weeks. Your advice and the links you have provided are a lifeline at this moment.

[hodges5]

if you use facebook look up operation Diversity community, sen support Ehcp statements help and support they maybe able to point you in the right direction

[Karamia]

Thank you for this extra information hodges. I am very grateful. These sites look very helpful.