Parents of children with Autism: Did you have ALOT of problems with the LEA?

Question

live in essex & for 2 years now we've been trying to get our sons statement updated etc etc so he can go to a special school specifically for kids with autism...the local education authority have done the statement but have 'adjusted' his 'banding' from D to E, but this has been done 'under-handedly' so that a local special needs school will take him instead..except its for severe learning difficulties & the amount of autistic kids on the role is 6. Yes i'm recieving 'legal advice' but

WHEN ARE THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY GOING TO GET THEIR FINGERS OUT & SORT OUT EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM..WITHOUT 'going around the houses for 2 years' & discriminating & fiddling things to THEIR advantage INSTEAD of assessing an individual childs needs PROPERLY?

anyone else had nothing but trouble with there childs schooling?

Answer 1

I am sorry to hear you are having such problems.  This is a common issue with the explosion of autism in modern society.  Educational systems are just not equipped to handle the needs of autistic children.  There needs to be more money and resources put into special needs children and classrooms, there is really no excuse for the way the system is failing our children this way.  Keep fighting for your child, that is the only recourse to make the system change.  Good luck.

Answer 2

Is homeschooling an option for you?  It might not hurt to find your local homeschool support group and start participating in some of their activities.  You'll find others like yourself who got tired of messing with the system and find they can give the child a better education and more balanced social life if they are the ones in control.  Also, there is a homeschool section here on YA, where you'll find LOADS of information.

It is possible you are not legally bound to submit to the decisions of the LEA.  I know here where we live in Tennessee, USA, they do sometimes take way too much authority upon themselves.

I pray you find the solution you need.  God bless you.