Published on 12, July, 2020
I just revisited Jodie Smitten's excellent site and found this cluster of articles and info on school attendance - often an issue for parents and certainly an issue within my own family over at least 2 generations. Drilling down into the reasons can be quite emotional too. I was thinking at first that it might be more suitable for the Parents and Carers section but then, and especially after the school reports thread, I reconsidered. Reading through some of this, like thinking about my old school reports, set off quite a bit of reflection on my own schooling, much of which damaged or distorted me and influenced my behaviours for some considerable time. It's all still very much with me, in fact, like a voice in my head. I was always able to attend school myself, but I'm thinking now that the cost might have been too great. It also led to an awful lot of masking, some fairly negative behaviours and consequences for me, plus an almost neverending drive towards perfectionism and getting 10/10, no matter what I had to do to achieve it. :( And yes, although it can be a large "turning circle", I'm on to it now, with more insight, I think. :) If you feel OK to share here, how do you all feel about all of this? www.jodiesmitten.co.uk/school-attendance
Jenny Butterfly said:So sorry you went through all of this. And yes, I can relate to so much that you're written. I think that certain assumptions about me and my background were made based on my academic performance - apparently I couldn't be so "clever" and still be entitled to free school meals, live in a slum and be going through some quite significant family issues all at the same time.
Thank you Jenny, and the sympathy/empathy is reciprocal
Talking here to parents (and young people): having read this thread and how difficult it was for those growing up in the 60s and 70s+ :
is it much better now do you think for autistic children?
One would hope that there have been vast improvements over the decades since the '80s.
The recognition is 1st (which we wouldn't have had) but then of course the support structure is required - is that effective?
In the 60 s/ 70 s we had no TAs in Primary School. I think that started during the 70s when I had moved to Secondary school. There were no SENCO s. I just remember one lady who took a few children out of class to help them
If there were children with severe behavior problems they were moved to a Special School. I don't think anyone thought there might be a reason.
As for those who struggled in school or to get to school I am not sure anyone wondered why.