accommodations in school

Hi, I am in sixth form and have autism. My mum is about to have a review of my senco plan. I am needing more support for my autism  and I don’t know what support is actually available for me but I am really struggling without it.

More specifically general support. As i already have exam support.

i do not have an ehcp but have an equivalent plan by my school which is followed well

Me and My Mum don’t know what help is available so any advice from parents of autistic teens or autistic teens about what my mum can ask for would be appreciated 

  • Teachers can address these barriers by providing students with accommodations—adaptations or changes in educational environments or practices that help students overcome the barriers presented by their disability. Two areas in which accommodations can be used are instruction and testing.  lcpsgo

  • Hiya,

    Currently in my second year of 6th form and have found the support great.

    I currently get:

    - a quiet space for lunch and break if i don't wanna socialise

    - listen to music in lesson

    - leave lessons if it gets too much

    - All my teachers are aware of my diagnosis and my common stims

    I can't think think of anything else right now. Write a list of the things you struggle with and then take that to the meeting. The SENCO should then be able to suggest things to help reduce the struggle

    Alisha xx

  • Hi,

    Schools should be able to offer:

    A quiet place for you to study during free periods

    A "leave lesson early" pass so you can avoid the crowded halls and stairs during lesson transition

    A "breather" pass so you can leave a classroom and go to a safe place for a short time if you are feeling overwhelmed

    Do you have social issues? They may be able to help by providing a safe place for you to go during break time/lunch time where you could socialise with a small group of other students or just have a quiet place to go.

    Best thing would be to talk to the SENDCO or Head of sixth form to see what they can offer to support you in your day to day life at school.

    Hope they can help.

  • To some extent it’s not a question as to what is available it’s what help do you need. Your school is legal obligated to make reasonable adjustments for you. Who gets to decide what’s reasonable? Well ultimately the courts. There is no one size fits all guide for that.

    there are three  sorts of adjustments that  you can seek.

    the first requirement (the law calls them the requirements) is adjustments to policies criteria and procedures. Basically the schools rules. If there are any rules or procedures (including unwritten rules) that the school has that makes life hard for you because of your autism the law requires them to take reasonable steps to stop them making things hard for you. Then could be changing a rule or making a special exemption for you. But it could also be doing something extra to help you with some difficulty their rules and policies cause you.

    the second requirement relates to adjustments to building, eg ramps etc.

    the 3rd requirement relates to auxiliary aids. That’s doing or providing something extra to help with a difficulty you have because of your disability.

    it’s not a question of what’s available or what the school can afford. The law says if it’s reasonable they have to do it and find the money whether they want to or not whether they can afford it or not.