My son is in Y11, and I have recieved an 'Assessment of Learning Needs Report' from Connexions' ( I wish they could spell 'Connections'!!). In it it refers to him needing to start to learn to travel independently, and needing to practice these skills.
He has made really good progress at secondary school within his own little 'bubble'!! He currently has escorted travel on a minibus, and despite pressure from the school, has steadfastly refused to try the 'normal' school bus. I haven't pushed this too much as it was made clear that once he tried the alternative there would be no going back, even if it was a disaster! Academically he has done well enough to potentially get the grades for 6th form at his current school, which he would prefer to going to college. Connexions accuse us of trying to keep him within his 'comfort zone' by choosing 6th form!!
My problem is that although he has made progress with lots of things, especially his education, he is still a very little boy in many ways. If I go to his room he is equally likely to be playing with hjs Thomas collection as he is to be on the XBox! He chats to friends from school over the XBox but has no inclination at all to go out on his own ,even near to home or to see friends. He dislikes shops, crowds and unfamilair people and panics if faced with these or with palces he doesn't know. I feel under pressure from Connexions and school to force him to do these things when he is visibly unhappy and anxious.
We have had no outside support for about 2 years, but I am unsure if this is suffucaent an issue to ask to see the clinical psychologist again. I am wondering if she could help us resolce it, or at least help make those who are questioning the way we are dealing with it that it is a genuine problem.
Has anyone got any advice as to what to do next?
