Hi there,
I am a parent of a 15year old boy who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome 5 months ago. Mike is a very able boy who goes to an Independent School having achieved a very high score in his entrance exam, particularly in mathematics and verbal reasoning and an average mark in English. As a result he won an academic scholarship upon admission.
Over the years Mike has struggled socially and got into trouble many times and as a result he has been labelled as disruptive and argumentative. I think it's only just sinking in for Michael that he has problems which are not anybody elses doing.
The school have been informed of the Psychiatrist's diagnosis, the Psychologists assessment and the Speech and Language Specialist's report and they are beginning to address Michael's needs. I have began the process of applying for a statement, I will find out next Friday if the application can continue. We have decided that if this is a 'no' we will appeal and obtain the assistance of a solicitor if we need to fight our corner. Can anyone offer me any personal experiences of applying for a statement this late on? Mike would like to continue into 6th Form and possibly university all being well.
Mike is at a very low point in his life and is very negative and often says 'what's the point' if a suggestion is made for anything. I have been advised by one of these specialists that a complete change of an appropriate environment is perhaps what he needs. We have thought of a residential school and have seen one on the internet which is run by a Quaker organisation in Thirst, Yorkshire. Has anyone any experience of this residential school specifically for high functioning Asperger's children or know of anywhere else to recommend.
Any information would be welcome.
Thank you
Karen
