[Misc] Autism - Neurodiversity

[BadFish]

Thanks – I appreciate that.

She had a bit of a meltdown about school (last year of primary and about to go to secondary but horrified at the thought of it – not just for the normal reasons) last night, which we were sort-of expecting. The good thing is that there are so many options outside of the mainstream that we could potentially look at – it's simply not worth the stress or pressure on her to 'conform' to what the 'right' thing to do is. But we'll see – it's very much take each day at a time at the moment.

We found that high school allowed my lots a bit more space and time, an opportunity to do things their way (often they needed reminding about this stuff). This accompanied with relieving the pressure/stress meant that they can achieve. Slowly but surely was the way and it worked for them.

Not easy and it took a lot of understanding and advocating on our part. We were lucky that their school was generally on board and willing to try. We are still working on it with my youngest I I think a change of scene is what he needs to his last two years.

 

[P.C. Beard]

Has anyone on here had any experience with LVS Hassocks school? (It's a specialist ASD school) Looking for a new school for my son, and finding it hard to get any recent opinions on it.

 

[darkwolf666]

I think society has known that everyone is different for a long, long time. I just don't think we obsessed about it as much in the past.

There is nowt so strange as folk, as the saying goes.

My child is autistic, non-verbal, has limited understanding, is double incontinent at 8 years of age, and yes we do obsess!!!

 

[P.C. Beard]

Attended the graduation of my eldest child this week. He is on the spectrum, effectively missed several years of school while the we struggled to find the right support. Eventually we got him into Uckfield secondary school support unit. The January before he sat his gcse's i was told they didn't think he'd cope with sitting the exams. Somehow he managed and passed them all .

He wanted to do a-levels but at 16 escc withdraw all support so we had to find a sixth form at short notice which was closer to us. He ended up at Seaford Head. On course for 3 good a levels and then covid struck. No exams but he ended up with 2 A's and a B , took a year off and then went to University. First year in halls and then 2 years living in houses with friends. He's ended up with a 2.1 in History. He's going to have another year off and then do a masters.

He still suffers mightily with anxiety and his progress to where he wants to be may take a few more years than some of his peers , but he'll get there. I guess ive written all this out partly because I am so very proud of him, but also to I guess to let other people who may be in the stage i was when he was 8 years old know that things can be overcome. I look back now to the days of collecting him from primary school aat 10am after a phone call from the head teacher because he'd had yet another autistic meltdown and wish I could tell younger me how things turned out.

I know this is a very old post, but I really needed to read something like this at the moment, thank you.

 

[Curious Orange]

My child is autistic, non-verbal, has limited understanding, is double incontinent at 8 years of age, and yes we do obsess!!!

Understandably so, and perfectly natural for a parent in relation to their child.



I wish you all the best.