Hello, I would be very grateful for some advice on first steps as to what to do.
My son has recently been diagnosed with ASD, the consultant said it was the Aspergers type.
He has declined to discuss the diagnosis with us when we have tried to bring it up and he will rarely discuss anything, so its not easy finding out his views.
He is currently taking GCSE's and the school have given some help with exams, but we do get the feeling that they are just waiting for him to leave and they haven't been very proactive with anything else.
Our son has indicated that he would like to attend college on a construction type course, but he won't discuss this in detail with us and has yet to make an application. We are a little concerned about this choice as he hasn't previously shown any inclination to do any hands on physical work and he is very quiet and reserved. We obviously respect his right to make his choices in life, but are concerned that this option hasn't been explored giving consideration of his needs.
Our main concerns are his ongoing support around his diagnosis so he can come to terms with this and also any support that he might need in pursuing and planning his ongoing educational options, but we just don't know what to do next, or who to ask?
Do we approach the LEA about getting him some support?
Do we ask his school, though if he is going to leave soon, we doubt they will be interested. The SEN teacher we have spoken to so far has not been very helpful and had to be pushed to provide info about our son to the consultant who was making the diagnosis in the first place.
Should we approach the college where he hopes to go?
Any suggestions pointing us in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
Carolyn
