What is even the point of diagnosis??!!!

My son is 15, coming up 16, and was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD in October. 

i've always known he's on the autistic spectrum but he's slipped through the net quite spectacularly, and I feel totally let down by the school and the system.  Anyways- apart from the school panicking he's going to fail his GCSEs (probably purely because of his league tables!) and throwing extra maths etc at him, very little has changed. I don't feel there is any support or understanding or anyone to turn to with regard to him leaving school and becoming 'independent' which he really isn't. 

I actually feel I've been punished for coping too well, and I'm pretty terrified about him going to college and getting there in one piece. And now I have to prove he needs help!!! Is the diagnosis itself not enough proof that he MAY actually need support???? how do I PROVE that my son won't go anywhere without his mum??!! Has no friends?! Is adamant he isn't going to college??!! And what's worse is his brother is 15 months younger and Mr Sociable, never home, really confident, and like a huge spotlight pointing at his brothers difficulties. I feel more alone than when I knew I was right pre diagnosis :( 

Parents
  • What country are you in? It was my understanding that GCSE refers to the UK, I'm aware though that in different countries "college" refers to different stages of education. In the UK "college" is voluntary education rather than a legal requirement, compulsory education ending after the completion of GCSEs. While college is, from an educational viewpoint, recommended I'm not sure where on the earth it is a legal issue. In the UK you also don't have to start college immediately after finishing compulsory education either, perhaps you could defer a year? Although stopping education may make it difficult to start it again.

Reply
  • What country are you in? It was my understanding that GCSE refers to the UK, I'm aware though that in different countries "college" refers to different stages of education. In the UK "college" is voluntary education rather than a legal requirement, compulsory education ending after the completion of GCSEs. While college is, from an educational viewpoint, recommended I'm not sure where on the earth it is a legal issue. In the UK you also don't have to start college immediately after finishing compulsory education either, perhaps you could defer a year? Although stopping education may make it difficult to start it again.

Children
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