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What/how to choose? Mainstream/ASD Unit/Special School

Octsmum

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  I am guessing/hoping that their experiences are out of date, since professionals' understanding of autism and how best to educate children with autism has improved.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!

Parents

  • Hi,

    I know just how you feel, I change my mind constantly about whats best for him. For example he is 16 so we are trying to teach him some independant living skills. He can make toast or a sandwhich now and use the microwave a little to reheat his dinner etc if he is late in from college. However I have just this evening caught him trying to heat up a ricepudding pot with the foil lid still on. He is very clever but just forgets how to do things. So now im thinking is it dangerous to teach him to use the kitchen at all, and wonder was pushing him through school worth it, if he cant cook for himself or handle social situations in a workplace what was the point in getting exam passes and being at college. ahhhhhh So sorry didnt mean to rant!

    I dont think they learn to be an autistic person, I think that they already are a person who has autisum, they already know there world, its our world thats the problem for them and that they need help to be able to manage in it. Does that even make sence? lol.

    I cant help much with the pros and cons list as its very individual. But have you had opertunity to actualy look round and talk to the different teachers at the different schools. You might get a clearer idea if you know exactly whats out there for him.

    take care and good luck

    sam

    x

Reply

  • Hi,

    I know just how you feel, I change my mind constantly about whats best for him. For example he is 16 so we are trying to teach him some independant living skills. He can make toast or a sandwhich now and use the microwave a little to reheat his dinner etc if he is late in from college. However I have just this evening caught him trying to heat up a ricepudding pot with the foil lid still on. He is very clever but just forgets how to do things. So now im thinking is it dangerous to teach him to use the kitchen at all, and wonder was pushing him through school worth it, if he cant cook for himself or handle social situations in a workplace what was the point in getting exam passes and being at college. ahhhhhh So sorry didnt mean to rant!

    I dont think they learn to be an autistic person, I think that they already are a person who has autisum, they already know there world, its our world thats the problem for them and that they need help to be able to manage in it. Does that even make sence? lol.

    I cant help much with the pros and cons list as its very individual. But have you had opertunity to actualy look round and talk to the different teachers at the different schools. You might get a clearer idea if you know exactly whats out there for him.

    take care and good luck

    sam

    x

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