Published on 12, July, 2020
As a concerned parent navigating the complexities of education for an autistic child, I find myself at a crossroads, contemplating a crucial decision:
mainstream schooling versus special education schools. This choice is not merely about selecting an institution; it's about choosing a path that will significantly shape my child's development, social skills, and self-esteem.
Mainstream schools offer the prospect of integrated learning environments where children, regardless of their neurological differences, are educated together. This setting promises social integration and exposure to a variety of teaching styles and peer interactions, which are beneficial for understanding diverse perspectives and developing social norms.
On the other hand, special education schools provide tailored educational strategies specifically designed for children with autism. These institutions often offer smaller class sizes, specialised staff, and customised curricula that address the unique needs of autistic students, potentially making learning more accessible and less stressful for them.
Given the importance of this decision, I am reaching out to the members of the National Autistic Society for advice and insights. Your experiences and the knowledge gained from them are invaluable to parents like myself, who are striving to make informed decisions.
1. Mainstream Schools:
- What were the benefits for your autistic child attending a mainstream school?
- How did mainstream schools support your child both academically and socially?
- What challenges did you encounter, and how were they addressed?
2. Special Schools:
- What specialised approaches did these schools use to support your child’s learning and development?
- Did attending a special school enhance your child’s educational experience compared to a mainstream school?
- What were the potential drawbacks or limitations you observed in special schools?
The goal is not merely academic success but fostering an environment where my child can thrive, feel secure, and be understood. Understanding the benefits that both educational settings offer, and hearing about the real-world outcomes for other children on the autism spectrum, will greatly assist in making a decision that best suits my child’s needs and potentials.
I hope you all to share your insights, experiences, and any research that can illuminate this path. Your contributions will help build a well-rounded perspective that many parents, including myself, seek during these challenging but crucial decision-making times.
If my own childhood among the savages of the NT school tracking system was any indication - Unless the idea of accommodation is now truly a real thing, and is consistently and compassionately practiced, without the constant pressure for the ND child to "comply!", "Adjust" and "get used to it!" - there is no point of exposing them to the trauma. Special schools are there for your child, for people who have some support needs NT schools just will not or cannot supply.
If you love them, give them over to the tutelage of those who will also love them for who they are and teach them with the tools most appropriate for them.