Any thoughts on how to respond?

So our son has recently taken a massive step after 4 years of hardly leaving the house to join in with a group for young people on the autistic spectrum which aims to help them get back into education and employment. The mentor was friendly and got on well with him but unfortunately wasn’t clear with plans for the sessions, changed what was going to happen and didn’t tell us in advance. I had discussed my concerns with him but things didn’t change. Yesterday, our son went along expecting to be playing games and doing quizzes at the meeting place but they had all gone for a walk. So I contacted the manager just to explain our issues, hoping that she might have a word with the mentor. Her response was that our son isn’t far enough along in his journey to access their services, that is to say, they can’t accommodate his needs. Apparently he has to be able to cope with those things in order to go to the group. She more or less said it was his fault for being late (20 minutes, he was really struggling with anxiety) 
I just wondered if anyone has any ideas what I need to say to her if I decide to meet her tomorrow? To my mind, it seems like another case of trying to fit neurodiversity into a neurotypical world Pensive

Parents
  • I have no advice, I'm afraid, but I find it ridiculous that the mentor of a group for people on the spectrum can't understand that change is a big problem for many of us! I'm literally sitting here with my mouth agape! Surely, if the aim is to help get them back into education or employment, non of them will be at that stage yet? Otherwise they wouldn't really need the help, would they? Maybe I'm being too black and white here. 

Reply
  • I have no advice, I'm afraid, but I find it ridiculous that the mentor of a group for people on the spectrum can't understand that change is a big problem for many of us! I'm literally sitting here with my mouth agape! Surely, if the aim is to help get them back into education or employment, non of them will be at that stage yet? Otherwise they wouldn't really need the help, would they? Maybe I'm being too black and white here. 

Children
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