• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 65 subscribers
  • Views 807 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

need help to decide

robj

hi everyone me and my partner are looking for some advice, i have a 2 and a half year old daughter thats about to be diagnosed as autistic, next september she will be starting school, but have been told that by this xmas we have to decide where she is to go, now the options are a special needs school in bridgend who deal with autism or an observation class, we have been given different advice on which would benefit her most so now we are really confused, so if there is anybody out there with a similar situation or anyone that can help please do thanks

  • Hello there

    You will have been given different advice because there are pros and cons of mainstream vs special, and some people emphasise certain pros/cons more than others.  There isn't one right answer fits all to this question, you just have to weigh up what you think would be best for your daughter. 

    Some of the main pros/cons I can think of for special ed are:

    + Good staff: student ratio so lots of 1:1 attention

    + Staff have detailed knowledge of PECS/Makaton/ TEACCH/ various autism interventions

    + Staff more knowledgeable about sensory and behavioural issues so child less likely to be excluded/face disciplinary action for behaviours she can't help

    + Target setting likely to be detailed and accurate because staff will know your child personally and in depth

    - Daughter likely to be with a largely male peer group

    - Daughter may witness behaviour/ outbursts that are undesirable and this may influence her behaviour

    - She may not have access to 'neurotypical' peers in order to be able to observe their behaviour/ learn from them - my children's paediatrician is of the view that this isn't a significant disadvantage for our daughter however as she's not terribly interested in other children to begin with

    Best advice I can give you is to visit lots of schools and ask lots of questions (take a list with you in advance, don't be afraid of getting on people's nerves/wasting their time) and ask for details of what exactly each school would be able to do for your daughter.  Hopefully you'll get a feel for the best school that way.

    Hope that helps.  Good luck!