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Early Intervention Preschool Vs Autism Classroom

Ciara

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone might have some advice for me.

My son is 4, he is autistic and is in an early interventions preschool at the moment. The preschool are amazing with him and he has come on in leaps and bounds since he started there - much more regulated, social, speech is coming on .... just all around he is doing great. We have applied for autism classrooms in schools for September and there is only one possible option (the other schools have said no and this is a maybe as they are waiting for confirmation on their classroom opening). I went to see the school and the people seem great, but the issue is the school is mixed up until first class and then the mainstream boys leave after this and go to another school, but the boys in the autism class stay and only integrate with girls from then on (aside from the boys in the autism classroom). What I am wondering is, should I give him another year in his preschool environment and really thrive there or do I go with this school if I get offered a place as I keep being told how in short supply the autism classes are? Has anyone had any experience of early intervention vs autism class rooms - will he still receive the level of attention he is getting now or is it better to wait until he is closer to 6? I want to try and do what's best for my son and not just be forced to choose. Any advice is welcome.

Parents

  • I'm not 100% what first class means age wise, it's not a school system I'm familiar with. It seems a bit bizarre to me that they would keep only autistic boys and I do think this may create more of a feeling of being different. It is difficult to make a decision on a new provision because you have very little to go on as to how successful it is.

    Having said that, I am a massive advocate for send education as opposed to them being in mainstream. I've worked in SEND schools and for me it just works better and is actually more inclusive. Some autistic kids can manage in mainstream but many may manage the early years but then struggle more and more. It depends on what his needs are like. If he struggles with busy then he may well struggle with a mainstream class. On this basis I'd be worried about turning down a send provision.

    I don't want to point you too heavily in any direction as I don't know your son or the provisions you're looking at.

    Have you spoken to his preschool? They know him well and from what you say clearly understand him and his needs. They will also be experienced in transitioning children to their next step. They may be able to advise what they think would suit him best.

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  • I'm not 100% what first class means age wise, it's not a school system I'm familiar with. It seems a bit bizarre to me that they would keep only autistic boys and I do think this may create more of a feeling of being different. It is difficult to make a decision on a new provision because you have very little to go on as to how successful it is.

    Having said that, I am a massive advocate for send education as opposed to them being in mainstream. I've worked in SEND schools and for me it just works better and is actually more inclusive. Some autistic kids can manage in mainstream but many may manage the early years but then struggle more and more. It depends on what his needs are like. If he struggles with busy then he may well struggle with a mainstream class. On this basis I'd be worried about turning down a send provision.

    I don't want to point you too heavily in any direction as I don't know your son or the provisions you're looking at.

    Have you spoken to his preschool? They know him well and from what you say clearly understand him and his needs. They will also be experienced in transitioning children to their next step. They may be able to advise what they think would suit him best.

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