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sports & autism in school

NAS87689

My son was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD in March of this year - since then we have experienced a catalogue of incidents at school as a result of his teacher leaving and the handover not being managed properly. 

I am highly concerned about him starting his next year at this school where there is a huge emphasis on interschool games.  My son does not respond well to being knocked in any means- as a result of his ASD and finds it hard to emotional regulate post the event.  The school have threatened suspension as a result of meltdowns before.

Where do I stand if he is unable to participate and the school exclude him as a result? I would like to know from a legal perspective - if this could be classed as a reasonable adjustment, if he is unable to play these interschool sports? And what legislation could I point to.

Many thanks for your help.

Best 

J 

Parents

  • Autism is classed as a disability. Just because it is not a physical disability does not mean that any school can ignore it and remain the right side of the law. Imagine a school attempting to force someone with brittle bone disease or cerebral palsy, for example, to play competitive sport. It would not happen!. If the playing of sport is adversely affecting your son, to the point where he is suffering autistic meltdowns, you have a case that his autism is being exacerbated by the insistence that he plays sport. In which case forcing him to play sport is a form of discrimination on the grounds of disability and the school is acting unlawfully.

  • in reply to Martin

    As I see it, the options are to provide some sort of support during sports, e.g. allowing him "time out " and maybe bringing on a substitute - in school rules regarding number of substitutes allowed etc. can be waived - this is not the FA Cup.  If that does not work out he is entitled to access PE - maybe a personalised plan. Even if it is running round the field or doing some sort of fitness regime.

    I hated PE and games. I broke my hip and somehow managed to get my name removed from the PE register, so I went to the library instead. These days there is an expectation the PE should be more inclusive.

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  • in reply to Martin

    As I see it, the options are to provide some sort of support during sports, e.g. allowing him "time out " and maybe bringing on a substitute - in school rules regarding number of substitutes allowed etc. can be waived - this is not the FA Cup.  If that does not work out he is entitled to access PE - maybe a personalised plan. Even if it is running round the field or doing some sort of fitness regime.

    I hated PE and games. I broke my hip and somehow managed to get my name removed from the PE register, so I went to the library instead. These days there is an expectation the PE should be more inclusive.

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