Can a 10 year old mild to high functioning autistic child reach his grade level in two years?

Question

Can a 10 year old mild to high functioning autistic child reach his grade level in two years?

Answer 1

Yes ma'am that child can get there with the love and support they need to do it. I know most people would say otherwise, unless they've achieved similar things. Any thing that is impossible is possible. Most didn't believe I'd finish Jr. high because i was hyper active didn't pay attention and hated school. I even had failing grades but i finished high school 2years early. So I believe that child can do it too

Answer 2

Well it depends on where he is. What level is he functioning at right now? What are his 'issues' what are his strengths? How is his social connection?

My 11 year old high functioning autistic son can do the math & reading. But as far as comprehending history, science and the greater part of geography...I wouldn't dare shove all that on him at this time.  

I have a feeling you want to put him in regular ed? You know your kid best do you think he can 'catch' up and who is going to get him there? How long (hours in the day are you planning on devoting to instruction)?

Answer 3

Totally depends on the development of the kid, parental support,   and his teachers.

Answer 4

There are a lot of variables that can effect that answer.  First would be, where are his biggest issues as a child with autism?  If the biggest problems have been in communication (both with others and getting him to process outside information for his own use) it will depend on the programs he is in.  He would need to be working with teachers who can find ways to work around his issues and present the information in a way he will respond to.  Of course, this is going to go on the basis that there are not other cognitive delays causing the lag.  Autism can affect all areas of development, although communication and socialization are the major ones and the ones most people know about.  What many don't realize is that autistic children often have cognitive delays or other learning issues...ADD, learning disabilities being two seen frequently.  These tend to be "overlooked" in some ways as the autism is more apparent.  Plus, until the autistic symptomology is addressed it can be nearly impossible to get accurate results from education testing....a child who isn't verbal and won't interact with the tester can provide accurate testing in areas of intelligence or ability.  It has nothing to do with the child, but with how autism impacts the professionals ability to gain information.  Several studies going on in the US are looking at alternative forms of testing , specifically IQ testing, that are non verbal and self guided and are showing amazing results when used in spectrum kids who refused or where unable to be tested in a more traditional way.

In any case, if your child has no learning issues or disabilities, is working in an enviroment with teachers who understand autism and are willing to work to adapt the information, if the communciation skills are there and the willingness to learn (important in all kids)..then your child should make progress.  As you dont mention the grade level he is currently at, I can't say he could make it to 5th grade in two years.  Also, you don't mention his overall developmental level...if developmentally he is working at a first grade level , then 5th grade in two years might be tough, especially if he is still struggling in other areas.  No matter how good the program or teachers, all children need to go through each developmental age and stage to achieve the next...even the best teachers or services can't take a child with the developmental skills of a second grader and get them into junior high in a year.

Answer 5

I believe with a lot of family support and therapy he will go far.  I am dealing with my 6 yr. old right now.  It seems like a long road but it will be worth all the work in the end!!

Answer 6

discuss this with his teachers, counselor, and pediatrician.  the parent may be the one who will end up holding him back, so get some counseling for yourself too.