My son is 22 and was diagnosed with autism a few months ago. He has a degree in music but has struggled with anxiety and depression for the past few years and ihas difficulties with social interaction.
My son has been doing an evening class teaching adults. He didn’t disclose his diagnosis and had no support. So now his deadlines are looming for the written coursework and he has hit a brick wall. Apparently he did really well with the teaching practice sessions. He has been getting more and more anxious about it. So eventually after admitting to me that he just can’t cope he allowed me to contact his teacher. As my son is 22 years old, I didn’t know what sort of reception I would get but I needn’t have worried. She was fantastic. She told me that my son did great in the classroom activities and that she would make it her business to make sure that adjustments were made to enable him to succeed.They may be able to waive the written work altogether and have aural assessments in the form of discussions etc if that is what he needs. I have just told my son and he is really relieved. I am so glad that I stepped in and that it went well. Hopefully this positive outcome will encourage my son to consider disclosing his autism to future educators/employers. I know that there is always a risk in doing this but I really don’t think my son can cope if he has to compete with no support. I know that he will succeed at whatever he decides to do if he is given the chance.