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School Lunchtimes

NAS86588

Hi All

I’m really hoping someone out there is able to share their experience or advice, I feel like I’m going round in circles.

My son is autistic, he bright, sociable but struggles with emotional regulation which has led to some serious incidents in the yard at lunchtime. Schools response to this was to remove him from lunchtime play so he plays indoors has a short period outdoors with children and then goes out for structured play with friends once everyone has gone back inside. They phased this out as he was managing better but due to a couple of incidents in the playground over football and games they are thinking of removing him from the playground again and returning to structured play. 

Has anyone experienced this with an autistic child? Is it normal for them to be removed from the playground rather than have support to get through it? My son has already told me that he’s happy to be inside as it means he won’t hurt anyone, I’m finding this really difficult to deal with but I don’t know what the answer is?

Thanks

Parents

  • I absolutely dreaded lunchtimes as a child. So much noise, too cold, and feeling totally isolated because I didn't understand how to join in.

    I now work in a primary school and I volunteered to run a lunchtime club for those children that I saw were having problems in the playground, mostly undiagnosed autistics and kinetics and other neurodivergent kids. 

    It's been a huge success. Every day I have kids asking me if they can have a turn at calm club, even those who don't need it the same way. 

    If your son says that he's happy with the arrangement, then it's probably good for him. Structured play where expectations are clear will help him to get involved with more confidence, and playing with fewer children may also reduce stress.  In my experience controlled situations like this actually help autistic children to make more quality connections, and helps other children to get to know them better too.

Reply

  • I absolutely dreaded lunchtimes as a child. So much noise, too cold, and feeling totally isolated because I didn't understand how to join in.

    I now work in a primary school and I volunteered to run a lunchtime club for those children that I saw were having problems in the playground, mostly undiagnosed autistics and kinetics and other neurodivergent kids. 

    It's been a huge success. Every day I have kids asking me if they can have a turn at calm club, even those who don't need it the same way. 

    If your son says that he's happy with the arrangement, then it's probably good for him. Structured play where expectations are clear will help him to get involved with more confidence, and playing with fewer children may also reduce stress.  In my experience controlled situations like this actually help autistic children to make more quality connections, and helps other children to get to know them better too.

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