Oh dear. We are looking for advice and opinions on the different types of school setting available to our son. Our 7 yr old with high functioning autism has transferred from his mainstream infant school to the juniors and is not happy with the change. The jump from infants to juniors is significant in terms of the way they work and he is taking his time to settle. Personally, I feel it is all about him being allowed to take his time, but his behaviour has led the school and the educational psychologist working for the LEA to feel that he would be better off in a mainstream school with an ASD unit.
The school has been great, and they have a track record for being very inclusive in their approach - there are other children with ASDs further along the school. I feel more than a little disappointed that they are considering admitting defeat so soon - only a few weeks into the schoool year.
I have seen another post with a fabulous response listing the pros and cons of each type of setting, and we have already thought of most of the points listed there. We are less worried about our son's academic progress than about him feeling that it is possible for him to move within NT circles comfortably and with minimal/no anxiety. Our feelings have been complicated by reports that there are adults with autism who would not advise parents to send their ASD kids to special schools. I am guessing/hoping that their experiences are out of date, since professionals' understanding of autism and how best to educate children with autism has improved.
We would welcome opinions on this subject from parents/carers and particularly from anyone with autism who has had experience of the various types of school setting.
Thanks!