DC17C wrote:
I think you also need to have reasons for why this school in particular.
It is worth meeting with the SENCO and actually checking the school can meet your son’s SEN needs.
I agree with this - in fact, talk to both current SENCO (see if they will also write a letter highlighting DS11' suitability), but also try and have a chat with the SENCO of the school you're appealling for,for although they will not write a letter of support, at least you might get a feel for the support you could expect.
Just going on anecdotal evidence, grammar schools are used to coping with Aspie's / HfASD pupils. At least 1 in 10 of the children I was at school (mixed grammar, 1970's) with exhibited the traits that would now be diagnosed as Asperger's (if using DSM-IV) or Autism (DSM-5). In the case of my DD's former school, certainly some of their friends have a formal diagnosis of ASD.
Finally, I tend not to think of Asperger's as a disability, but more of an ability
