In July 2019, I posted about my then 12 year old grandson who had become school phobic after an initial good transition to secondary school. A lot of people posted useful information. I have decided to cone back and see whether anyone can suggest any further help.
My grandson is now 14 and a year 9. He has been out of school since part way through year 7. School tried a plan to get him back into school at the end of year 7 and beginning of year 8 which was unsuccessful. Then there was lockdown which bought everything to a stop. In many ways this was a good period of time as my daughter and son in law were home all the time and with the pressure off, they have learnt how to handle my grandson. He was getting very angry and frustrated when he knew people were trying to get him back in school. Various referrals have been unsuccessful. He did see a counsellor for cognitive behaviour therapy once but refused to go again. School on the whole have been supportive although at one stage they were threatening court action for non attendance. He currently has a Pastoral Support Plan which seems to offer very little. A CAMHS referral was finally accepted after 3 rejections so we have yet to see what this will bring.
My daughter thinks he is on the Autistic spectrum and believes he has PDA - Pathological Demand Avoidance. I tend to agree. He ticks many boxes.
He is very bright particularly mathematically. They pay themselves for one hour maths tuition a week. He does engage (although it is a bit like walking on egg shells as to whether he will or not). This is the only education he receives. School provided on line learning (for everyone) during lockdown which he did. They refuse to continue with this and are offering nothing educationally.
Would a private Educational Psychologist be the way to go to get an assessment - school won’t arrange one?
Any other thoughts/ideas? Experiences?
Sorry this is long winded but it is complex. I fear time rushes away and we are getting nowhere. I feel everything rests on my daughter and son in law’s shoulders and I want to be more supportive in a helpful way
Last weekend, in Rutland, the first statue in Britain of the late Elizabeth II was unveiled.