Autism

[Atypical]

Hi.

As a primary teacher for 17 years, I would give State education a try before home schooling. Home schooling is a huge commitment both financially (time off work etc,) and in terms of time.

I don't know where you're based but I have taught a fair few kids with Autism over the years and not in "Posh" areas too.

I have 3 on the books as we speak.

In my experience, especially as he is only 4, you would not believe how supportive his classmates will be- Children really are amazing carers.

Furthermore, as I'm sure you already know, he will have so much to offer his friends.

It goes without saying that his teachers will provide for his pastoral and educational needs but that interaction with his peers will help him make sense of the world.

Ideally, a smaller school (one form entry,) would be an advantage- kids with Autism can sometimes be overwhelmed by large crowds.

Give it a go. If it doesn't work for him you can always change your mind.

All the best.

I would echo this sentiment my son is thriving in pre school it is small but it brings him on.

 

[117 M34]

As a primary school teacher, it's a no from me.

I hope your reports go into a bit more detail ;-)

Most points were covered by others.
Probably needs a bit more help socially, which will be much easier in a school.
Many schools have very knowledgeable and experienced staff in issues such as ASD.
Will the OP be able to help the child to learn? Many parents aren't intelligent enough, don't understand the way that children learn or the order that things should be taught in.

 

[citymacc]

As a dad of 5 with one son with a diagnosis of Autism I would personally advise against home schooling.

All kids need opportunities to socialise and none more than 'kids on the spectrum'

I know we parents know our kids better than anyone else but to be frank there are huge numbers of professionals who know how to help develop our kids way beyond our own abilities.

If you need to chat about things in private though please feel free to drop me a PM

Why would you advise against home-schooling? Do you really think the 'professionals' know more than we as parents do? Maybe you're right, a PM chat is the best!?

I honestly think that until you see a decent school's positive impact on a child with autism you wont appreciate how and what they do.

I was parent governor for 6 years and so have seen the educational challenge from all angles and indeed from all manner of starting points.

Where you live will also have a very important impact on your choice of course because some areas no longer have a dedicated ASC provision and utilise mainstream schools for all but the kids with PMD.

As the song goes, its a long and winding road and sadly you will find that parents like us have to fight for almost everything for our kids.

There are a few people on here who are at different points on that journey so you are far from alone.

Great words of advice mate, we've certainly found that it is a long and winding road and that we have had to fight for everything. Now going through the DLA assessment which in itself is a minefield. Our reasoning for home-schooling is extensive and not just born out of frustration, we really do want the best for our son's future and are determined to ensure that is what he gets.

 

[TimpBlue32]

My son is 9 yrs old and has a rare genetic condition. This include being on the autistic spectrum. Don't underestimate what special needs schools can do for children or mainstream schools for that matter. Children need exposure to different environment and experiences irrespective of their capabilities. You will become the experts in understanding your child's needs and help with schooling.
I have followed City (season ticket holder for years except for the last 4yrs) and missed winning league, fa cup (went against Wigan) but I would not change a thing. I now go with my 6yr old and we are loving it. We will miss the capital one final as my eldest will be having spinal surgery but it will make it even more special when We finally see us lift a cup Live. Life is full of challenges and surprises its how you deal with them that is important. Love City.

 

[toby]

Since my grandson started nursery and is now in school he has come on so much . I think it has also given him lots of confidence . He also doesn't have as many screaming fits as he can now communicate where as before it was like he was locked in his own little world . He is technology mad fun loving and when he bursts in through the door and says hello nana it melts my heart .

Good luck in whatever choice you choose .

 

[CITYBOY1000]

My 4 year old son has just been diagnosed with Autism and to me, it makes him. It's part of his character, love him to bits! Anyway, to throw all my bombs in at once, we're thinking of home-educating him as we really don't think there is a school out there that suits him or could do as good a job as we could do at home. Thoughts?

you may be doing the right thing, but he needs to mix with others even though he will find it hard, because not to put too finer point on it, he may not be capable of independant living as an adult and you will not always be their to support him.

my niece has aspergers and so I have some experience

good luck, make what you think are the right decisions but dont be afraid to change your mind or to ask for help

Only zees.

Autism/aspergers is more common than people think.

I'm not even sure that most people don't have some autistic traits. There is a thin line between autism/aspergers and genius by the way. You will find that many of the world's brightest lights have serious inter-social, inter-active problems which could easily be interpreted as autism.

It is a problem and needs careful nurturing but certainly has various degrees to it and isn't anything to worry about unduly.

 

[mcfc1982]

hey blue, my son was 2 when diagnosed with autism, was not talking and still in nappies when starting at school. on bad advice we sent him to a mainstream school and he was moved from reception down to preschool as they couldn't cope with him. 2 weeks later we pulled him out after lots of messing about. he now goes to a special needs school in Middleton, get picked up and dropped off on the bus everyday, lots of trips and with teachers that know what they are doing he is 9 now and thriving, totally dry (mainly us, but school helped loads) and cant shut him up talking.
same as your little one he loves cuddles and always wants to take care of smaller kids. the main issue with autism is that it is a spectrum disorder and what may be good for one is not for the other, so if you want to try a school have a look at special needs schools as well as mainstream, as mainstream can't always cope with the extra needs whatever they may be.

again if you need more help or a chat pm me

 

[peoffrey]

Autism/aspergers is more common than people think.

I'm not even sure that most people don't have some autistic traits. There is a thin line between autism/aspergers and genius by the way. You will find that many of the world's brightest lights have serious inter-social, inter-active problems which could easily be interpreted as autism.

No two cases are the same and I see people on a sliding scale from the barely noticeable to the severe requiring 24/7 support.

The genius comment is interesting. Michaelangelo, Einstein and Newton are all believed to have had autism or autism spectrum disorders.

 

[mancunial]

My son was diagnosed with aspergus, he is now 17 i talk openly to him about his condition, we even have a gallows sort of humour about it, he will ask me a hundred questions a day but will only let me finish about 3 answers, he is totally focused on one thing only ( city) with the x box thrown in, he went to an all boys school but didn't really settle, I have noticed a massive improvement In his maturity In the past 6 months, school was the biggest problem you have to be very careful and keep your eyes and ears open, everything should be fine just keep liaising with his head of year .

 

[Crouchinho]

My son also got diagnosed last year. I've been in speech therapy with him and all sorts of ABA stuff. Hated the ABA as I think you try to make them conform into something they're not.

I take him to pre school with me 20 hours a week and he's doing very well. He's still not using enough words and he'll be 4 this year. I worry about him once he starts school all by himself but I think it's for the best.

There is a lady that pops in occasionally with her aspergers son and he is homeschooled. He has come along fine. I really cannot tell the difference with some of the kids on the spectrum and the ones who aren't, but I guess I haven't seen the high end of the spectrum cases!