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Secondary education

Lancashire Lass

Hi,

I have 3 children, 10, 7 and 6.  My 7 year old boy has autism.  He was diagnosed early and has had effective intervention, meaning he copes well at primary school with support.  I am hoping he will be statemented next year, as the school has promised to start the process when he is in year 3.

I have started to think about secondary education.  I'm very concerned about this, as I think he could have a very tough time in a mainstream school.  I know he has to learn to get by in the real world, but I think secondary school is a particularly cruel place and I don't know if he needs to go through such an experience to cope with real life.  He is very bright and loves to learn, especially in numeracy and science.  I think a special school for mild learning difficulties could enhance his learning and he would feel safer.

Also, I think it would be unfair on my other 2 children to have the worry of his wellbeing while they are tackling their own issues at secondary school.  I know it's a few years off, but I'm constantly thinking about it.  I don't know if the final choice would even be mine.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has knowledge, experience or advice in this area.  I haven't met another parent of an autistic child and it's been a lonely journey so far.

Parents

  • Hi Happy,

    Thanks for your reply.  I feel so much for you.  It's so frustrating when ignorant people don't try to understand people like our sons and think the worst. 

    I'm no further on with Blake, but he goes into year 3 in September.  This was when I was told the statementing process would start.  If he get statemented, I can look into special schools.  If not, my choice is SEN within a state school or paying privately and I don't think we can do this.  I still have concerns about state school, especially after what you have said.

    If he has been diagnosed, I can't understand why the school won't apply for a statement, as it would benifit everyone.

    Whereabouts in Lancashire are you?  We live in Garstang and I work in Preston.  It would be useful to keep in touch.  I hope you make some progress soon.  If you knwo how to send a private message, I'll give you my details.

Reply

  • Hi Happy,

    Thanks for your reply.  I feel so much for you.  It's so frustrating when ignorant people don't try to understand people like our sons and think the worst. 

    I'm no further on with Blake, but he goes into year 3 in September.  This was when I was told the statementing process would start.  If he get statemented, I can look into special schools.  If not, my choice is SEN within a state school or paying privately and I don't think we can do this.  I still have concerns about state school, especially after what you have said.

    If he has been diagnosed, I can't understand why the school won't apply for a statement, as it would benifit everyone.

    Whereabouts in Lancashire are you?  We live in Garstang and I work in Preston.  It would be useful to keep in touch.  I hope you make some progress soon.  If you knwo how to send a private message, I'll give you my details.

Children
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