ASD behavioural issues at school - private therapy and help in school - Selby/Doncaster area

My son has ASD had has recently been excluded from school for three days which I supported as I thought this may help.

However, he has been excluded again now for 5 days and the possibility of permanent exclusion. I don't agree with this as provision within school is clearly failing - they talk little of his ASD (diagnosed 18 months ago, apparent from very early age) - all talk is of his behavioural control.

The school do not have the expertise or resources to adequately support him and requests for help from the Local Authority got no-where. An EHCP has been submitted to them, but only in the last week, so could be a long wait and battle like many others. The school has applied for emergency funding. With the threat of perm-ex, there is a 'team around the family' meeting happening in which professional rom the LA will finally showing an interest.

I have discussed with school some kind of 'therapy' for my son to help in understand and 'control' his behaviour (on the occasions of exclusions, this is quite extreme violence). The school think there is more to him than ASD and want a CAMHS referral but they won't take a referral until the EHCP has progressed.

I've looked around on the internet for private providers of support or children with autism, but its a bit like sticking a pin in the map and hoping.

Does anyone have any experience engaging private 'therapy' to help with the emotions of ASD, or with getting private specialists into school to work with the school to develop the school environment around ASD children? My son has no behavioural problems in any setting other than school - hes fine at home, family, friends, after school provision, clubs etc.

I've lots of advice happening about the exclusions, so I'm just after anyone's experiences on private help and where I might find it.

Thanks

 

  • You could call Derbyshire Autism Services. They are v helpful and would prob know you're area not being that far away. They have been helpful to me and make new not been dio gnosed yet.

  • Depending on his age, things can be done within a school to better accomodate his needs. Chances are that it is issues with the school not recognising his asd and provocation will lead to violent outbursts. So can the excessive noise etc in mainstream classes.

    When, then works quite well and a visual timetable will also help (if he is young enough for this to be implemented). I like to use two must do then one choice, ie first: writing, next: reading, then: Chromebook games.

    I also provide time outside the class with one or two other children to encourage social skill development. This also relieves some of the pressure of being cooped up in a busy and distracting classroom.

    The school needs to watch for triggers (Ie why is he acting out). Maybe ask if they can fill in a ABC table (antecedent, behaviour,consequence) so the school would need to identify what happened prior to the behaviour, what the behaviour was and what happened as a result of the behaviour.

    When a child feels cornered the flight, fight or freeze response occurs. He may feel as though there is no other option. Teachers need to give him the language to use AND to get on top of any underlying bullying etc. They shouldn't be saying ''why isn't he acting like the other kids"they should be saying "what am I doing that isn't meeting his needs,what can I do better"

  • Hi NAS50267

    You may want to search for services in your area that cater for people with an autism spectrum disorder on our Autism Services Directory: www.autism.org.uk/directory.aspx

    Hope this helps and that you find what you are looking for.

    Nicky-Mod

  • Is there an autism charity local to you? If so it's worth seeing if they offer anything. In my area our autism charity has a centre that works with children and their families and teaches them different strategies etc. I hope your son gets the help he needs/deserves.