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sensory problems advice

lformz

Hey.

My son, who is 8, has an ASD with sensory processingproblems. We have an issue with school that I would like advice on. 

He was withdrawn from school swimming lessons, at our request, last term because he was struggling to cope with the cold water that he finds physically painful, the feel of the poolside on his feet and dressing himself as he hates the textures on his hands and feet. We were told last week that he has to join in from this term as swimming is part of the curriculum. We explained our feelings to the teacher and received a call today, saying jack will have to take his kit tomorrow to swim and we are summoned to the headteacher. 

He has been very anxious since he's been told he has to swim. His ritualistic and rigid behaviours are full throttle and he's having a lot of meltdowns. When he tried swimming lessons last time it was horrendous afterwards because of sensory overload. However, he does tend to hold it together whilst he's at school, which is probably why school don't understand how it affects him.

I am so cross with the school, partly because they are forcing him to do something he finds physically painful, partly because they have gone about it the wrong way. He hasn't got an IEP but he does have a diagnosis, they could have called a meeting to discuss what strategies they could implement to make the sessions manageable for him. 

Do I make him do it????

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I looked up the curriculum issue and apparently it is part of the National Curriculum. However, this does not have to be the end of the question - your son has the right to be treated reasonably and not to be traumatised. He has a diagnosis which means that he has a permanent problem that gives him permanent protection from unreasonable actions. He actually has the right to have swimming lessons with all of the adjustments that are necessary for his disability - i.e. I think you may be able to insist on him having lessons on his own or in a pool with a specially raised temperature. Equally it may be more reasonable for you to allow the school not to insist on him being subject to something that would actually be cruel.

  • No definately not - but I think you already know that Smile  You are clearly a great advocate for your son!  Don't let anyone put you off your stride. I'd be really interested to hear what comes of your meeting if you were happy ot update?  Good luck!

  • Thank you. 

    So far we have put our foot down, which I suppose is why we find ourselves in the heads office tomorrow. I think we need to fight this one through.

    I'm not sure if it's national curriculum. I have a feeling that it is a chosen activity of the school to be included in the two hours of PE that the government say children should be having per week. 

    It would be great to geta drs note, but jack was discharged from camhs after diagnosis. He's still under a paediatric Dr as he is prescribed medication but we don't have regular appointments. I wonder if I ring the office she might help.

    A big thanks for the web site, its amazing. I'm going to get in touch with them tomorrow xxxx

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    No, don't make him do it! I would call this a "reasonable adjustment" given that he is protected by the Equality Act.

    Perhaps you can get a doctor's note to excuse him?

    Is this national curriculum or the school's own curriculum?

    I would consult IPSEA https://www.ipsea.org.uk/ for advice on this question.