Advice on management of Autism in school.?

Question

I have a 12 year old son in Secondary school on a part time basis, he has been fully statemented since the age of 6 with 32 hours one to one support. He has been diagnosed as having ADD with Aspergers Syndrome. We are trying to get him some support from the Autism Outreach service but the LEA say his Aspergers is not severe enough to warrant their help. His Consultant Psychiatrist has written to them to suggest that his Statement is amended but they are being very difficult and lax. In the meantime, my son's difficulties are not being addressed so he is only in school 3 mornings a week. I am now unable to work because of this and feel very very isolated and stressed. The worst thing is that my son does not even understand that his behaviour is "odd" and because we or the school have no access to Autism Outreach, no one can help him. I would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Answer 1

First can I offer my sympathy and say I really believe you should be helped.  I have Asperger Syndrome and have battled with it all my life and only had it diagnosed 3 years ago. AS affects people in many different ways, it is no good your LEA sayig "He doesn't have it badly enough." It doesn't affect us in degrees, but in various areas, some of which are more disabling than others. Only 2 people ever saw AS symptoms in me, they only saw a multi- talented teacher. They never saw the struggles that went on inside my head to make sense of the world, particularly social relationships. I have found the National Autistic Society very helpful. Also Asperger East Anglia. Both on the web Please have hope, and keep fighting for your son.

Answer 2

In WRITING request a re-evaluation.  If the district refuses, contact your state and file a complaint, then they will do it.  If you place the requst in writing, by law they need to do it.  The district has a certain amount of school days to get back to you regarding your request.  Have your psychiatrist fill in portions of the re-evaluation in parent input along with yours.  Be sure to have the district to include all or some of it.  

  If your son  is out of school, then you are not doing him any service, only making it easier for your district to deal with the issue, your son needs support-whether behavioral intervention, one to one assistance or special education with modifications.    Your own personal therapists, psychiatrist, pediatrician have very little effect on school law, even if he/she really knows your son.  Unfortunately, that is the way it is.  Use your supports for home and have goals and objects along with the "how" to do it in your IEP.  

    If you continue to call the LEA everyday, along with placing everything in writing, and allow your son to fail, yes I just said that, then they will need to do something.  In the mean time, place supports in at home so your son can access academics and behavioral support.  You may want to increase your time with the psychiatrist to get the help you need for outside the home.  It is never easy, keep your chin up and God Bless.

You can email me privately if you like.

Answer 3

Just to let you know that you are not alone.  I am a foster carer (six years) for a fifteen year old boy with ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome.  He was only being diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome last year, but it explained a lot and has helped us to understand his difficulties.

At one stage he was out of school and receiving no educational support.  We wrote to our MP and that encouraged the LEA to respond, after which we got 24 hours a week home tuition.  He is now in a college doing a pre-16 GCSE programme.  The college environment suits his emotional needs much more effectively than the schools, which were not able to cope with him.  The college also provides an Aspergers Group.

My best advice is:

Write to your MP and engage his/her support

Look for a school/college in your area where they understand Aspergers Syndrome and are able to support him properly

Consider home tuition to maintain his confidence in the interim

Good luck!

Answer 4

A statement is not set in stone and should be reviewed yearly so you could get in touch with an educational psychologist or the local LEA? A clincical psychologist may be able to support all information gathered on your son. Your son is entitled to full time education and the system is letting him down. You could also contact the national autistic society who are very good and can offer support.

   Your son will view everyone alse as weird and maybe rightly so. Who says that the way the majority behaves is the correct way?

If your sons behaviour at school is an issue, maybe the school should be learning more about dealing with Aspegerers so that they therefore have a greater understanding. Good luck and I do hope this is rectified quickly! Your son is entitiled to it!

Answer 5

Terrell: Its scum like you that make this world a horrible one.

Grow up, stop acting like a 3 year old and keep your silly, pathetic comments to yourself. If anyone needs strangling, its you.

Ok, to answer, have you received a letter back from the school?

Most of the time, their minds won't be changed.

In the meantime, I suggest you begin home-schooling him, probably not what you want to hear, or you could, alternatively, try and get him into another school in your area.

http://www.rainbowschool.org.uk/index.ht...

I wish you the best of luck, for yourself and your son.

Answer 6

You should go to your local Parent Partnership service. They will advise you on how best to get the LEA to take responsibility for your son. Their number is in the phone book. Also look into the possibility of finding an advocate for your son to make sure his educational needs are met. I know from personal experience how hard it is to get the right services for your child but you must keep fighting for your son. The LEA does have a legal responsibility to provide an education for your son. You could also try writing to your local MP and the press and media if you feel able. Autism is a hidden disability but that does not mean your son should be deprived of services he is due to. Good luck and I wish you well.