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whats everyones thoughts

jacksparents

Hi.

Its our first time post, and we would like alittle advice if possible regarding school matters.

Jack has recently been diagnosed with ASD, mainly with social interaction and theory of mind, wich is hard at times as some will know x

the question we are asking is: Jack recently sat his SATS Exams and as a "treat" school has arranged a trip for all the year to a theme park. Jack has been excluded form this trip as he poses a Health & Safty Risk to the pupils and staff. The desicion has been made on the whole years behaviour. During Jacks diognisis ( wich was made around 2 months ago ) the doctor told us that his behavial problems are down to his Autism, and thats how he deals with social interaction, with adults and children alike. ( he has deficits in social interaction, social cominication, theory of mind ect ) they say that if someone was to look at him funny then he may start fighting with the other pupil, and that would take a way 2-3 staff from the group. 

we did offer for one of us to accompany him on this trip, but they refused as it would  "single him out" as other parents wouldnt be going on the trip.

Maybe its just our thinking, but its like the school is branding him a "naughty kid"

Thanks 

  • Your son is classed as disabled under the Equalities Act 2010. Unless they can justify their reasons, it's discrimination. Before they try to justify their reasons, they have to make reasonable adjustments - in your son's case, this might be a few adults with him, etc.

  • Hi there.

    Your son isn't being treated fairly. If he wants to go on the trip, ways should be found for him to do this. I've just been away for a week with my son (11) on his school residential and we both had a fab time. We spent a great week doing fun activities and had lots of quality time together - more than we would have done had we been at home / school / work for the week. I went as a parent helper and wasn't always with M, but was usually involved in activities near him. I had the chance to get to know his class mates and his teacher too. The school had done this in the past for other children with additional needs and it was not seen as an issue.

    If they're saying it will make him different, they obviously haven't thought things through very much. Your son is different and the other kids will already know that. The school need to do more work on this with him and his class so that it's not an issue and no-one sees it as such. M's support worker and teacher have done work with his class about Aspergers, showing them the film "My Aspergers and Me" so that they had a better understanding of M's situation, and then giving them the chance to ask him questions afterwards. Then it wasn't a big deal that I was there on the residential - it's just part of who M is.

    Keep going on this one. You need to make sure your son is included and can have the same experiences as the others - if he wants them - but with the right support.

    Good luck,

    HB

  • Lou31 said:

    The school say that if one of you accompany him he would be singled out but that is surely what will happen if he's excluded from the trip??? 

    ...my thought too....

    what age is he by the way?

  • I think they are making excuses.  If you have offered to go on the trip then you obviously feel that he would enjoy himself nd not feel singled out - otherwise you would not have offered!

    I have been with my son on school trips and its been great, he felt really happy for me to go and extra special if anything!

    Good luck 

  • The school say that if one of you accompany him he would be singled out but that is surely what will happen if he's excluded from the trip??? 

    On the other hand, the school are under a great deal of pressure in terms of health and safety so I can understand their reluctance.  However, I find it hard to believe that between the two of you a solution cannot be found.  I'd be tempted to make an appointment and discuss what exactly they DO need in place in order for him to go and then perhaps you can come to a satisfactory conclusion.  Interesting you say that they feel he poses a health and safety threat to pupils and staff but don't mention himself - are you sure these are people you want taking your child out somewhere?!?

    The only other thing i'd just say is, are you certain that your son would actually enjoy the day?  I mean, you will know if it's the sort of thing he would like.  I understand there is a principle at stake but sometimes it's best to save your energy for the really important things.  Just trying to give another view point!!!  Hope it helps!

  • Hi - this is typical of people who don't understand autism.  I think you'll run into this time + time again with his school unfortunately.  Your child could well not understand at all if "someone was to look at him funny" as they say.  He may not recognise that facial expression.  Sorry, but I'm annoyed about how you've all been treated.  I think your offer to accompany Jack should have been enough for them.  Their attitude to him could be challenged under disability discrimination.  You're right to feel he's being treated unfairly.  They may well see him as a "naughty kid" because they don't understand autism + how it affects him as an individual.  Has he got a statement of educational needs, a teaching assistant? This could make a big difference to his experience at mainstream school.  Sometimes mainstream isn't the best place for our children.  It depends on a lot of factors:  appropriate support from staff who understand autism/Jack and an appropriate environment a key factors for a successful placement, in my opinion.  I would check out the home page for info + also make an appointment to see the Head.  If your heart starts to sink as you're trying to explain about Jack, then they haven't got a clue.  If they are supportive then things may turn out better.  Good luck.  Don't chalk it up to experience.