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autism in schools

NAS83780

i have an autistic son aged 12 who refuses to go to school more than a couple times a week ,we are getting so much pressure from his school regarding his attendance has anybody found themselves in a similar position.

Parents

  • Schools have to be seen to improve attendance but are often not easy places for autistic pupils. It seems often that strategies are set up for everyone to conform in the same way. My son struggles to do a whole week, although he tries to manage this. Sometimes there are specific reasons, but other times it appears that he is exhausted from the effort of trying to manage the work and not being seen to be different.

    You may need to find ways of being curious as to what he finds difficult about going into school. Is it understanding instructions? Is it the busyness/ noise of assemblies or moving around school? Is it free time like break and lunchtime? Is it that he doesn't know what to do if he is in a lesson and feels anxious? Is it sensitivity regarding clothing?

    I presume you have contact with the SENCO. They should be able to discuss any reasonable adjustments and work with you to help your son feel more confident in increasing the number of days he is there.

Reply

  • Schools have to be seen to improve attendance but are often not easy places for autistic pupils. It seems often that strategies are set up for everyone to conform in the same way. My son struggles to do a whole week, although he tries to manage this. Sometimes there are specific reasons, but other times it appears that he is exhausted from the effort of trying to manage the work and not being seen to be different.

    You may need to find ways of being curious as to what he finds difficult about going into school. Is it understanding instructions? Is it the busyness/ noise of assemblies or moving around school? Is it free time like break and lunchtime? Is it that he doesn't know what to do if he is in a lesson and feels anxious? Is it sensitivity regarding clothing?

    I presume you have contact with the SENCO. They should be able to discuss any reasonable adjustments and work with you to help your son feel more confident in increasing the number of days he is there.

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