Autism?

[mickd1961]

I’m looking for advice if anyone can help.

My son’s partner has a little lad of just over 4 years old who’s just started school, mainstream school.

He’s a lovely little chap and as bright as a button, highly intelligent but already diagnosed with various issues including autism.

His primary school has received funding to enable him to have additional personal help within the classroom but this doesn’t seem to be happening.

He’s coming out of school very deflated and down each day and is just not his normal self yet his teacher keeps fobbing off his mum and saying that he’s fine!

Do any of you have experience of one of your children or grandchildren suffering from autism and know what the lads rights are in this regard?

I think you said your wife was a teacher 923 so if anyone has and help or guidance on the subject I’d be very grateful.

I want to do everything I can to help the little chap, I struggled at infants school even though I was supposed to be “normal” and I hate the thought of the little fella going through a miserable time,

Ta.

[9goals2hattricks3pen]

I’m looking for advice if anyone can help.

My son’s partner has a little lad of just over 4 years old who’s just started school, mainstream school.

He’s a lovely little chap and as bright as a button, highly intelligent but already diagnosed with various issues including autism.

His primary school has received funding to enable him to have additional personal help within the classroom but this doesn’t seem to be happening.

He’s coming out of school very deflated and down each day and is just not his normal self yet his teacher keeps fobbing off his mum and saying that he’s fine!

Do any of you have experience of one of your children or grandchildren suffering from autism and know what the lads rights are in this regard?

I think you said your wife was a teacher 923 so if anyone has and help or guidance on the subject I’d be very grateful.

I want to do everything I can to help the little chap, I struggled at infants school even though I was supposed to be “normal” and I hate the thought of the little fella going through a miserable time,

Ta.

My wife has been retired a number of years but the following will still apply.

If he has been diagnosed as autistic the school has a LEGAL obligation to provide support. She has seen plenty of examples of some kids missing out on support where others may have got more than their fair share.

Her advice is if the teacher isn't responding take it to The Head. If that doesn't work escalate it to County. What is needed (I can't imagine you would be anything other than good at this next bit so offer your help)

SHOUT VERY LOUD AND VERY LONG UNTIL HE GETS THE VERY BEST ON OFFER. MAKE YOURSELF A NUISANCE!

Best of luck

[Albionic68]

Morning Mick.

If you can't get anywhere with the school the attached link for the National Autism Society may come in handy regarding rights and advice......

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do...on-advice-line

....... other than that have you looked into things such as sensory lighting and mood rooms to aid with his relaxation in the evenings?

They may look a bit arty farty with soft furnishings etc. but I'm told they're great. And they're not just for relaxation in itself.

The less anxious he is the more open to learning he will be, both during the evening and following day.

May be worth giving it a go on the mornings before going to school although I suppose the measure of any benefits would depend largely on how far along the autistic spectrum he is.

Also if you haven't already done so Google 'NHS Autism in Children'. Had a quick scan when I read your post and there was quite a bit there. Anyway, all of the very best to you and yours.

[baggieal]

I’m looking for advice if anyone can help.

My son’s partner has a little lad of just over 4 years old who’s just started school, mainstream school.

He’s a lovely little chap and as bright as a button, highly intelligent but already diagnosed with various issues including autism.

His primary school has received funding to enable him to have additional personal help within the classroom but this doesn’t seem to be happening.

He’s coming out of school very deflated and down each day and is just not his normal self yet his teacher keeps fobbing off his mum and saying that he’s fine!

Do any of you have experience of one of your children or grandchildren suffering from autism and know what the lads rights are in this regard?

I think you said your wife was a teacher 923 so if anyone has and help or guidance on the subject I’d be very grateful.

I want to do everything I can to help the little chap, I struggled at infants school even though I was supposed to be “normal” and I hate the thought of the little fella going through a miserable time,

Ta.

My advice Mick ( wife was a specialist teacher in early years ) is to look around. Some schools are better equipped to help with autism and special needs more than others. We know of schools who do almost nothing but others have dedicated support. We also know of an autistic child whose parents pay for a classroom assistant ( recruited by the school ) for further help. The needs of an autistic child differ as one could need structure in their own little bubble and another one could be disruptive as they crave attention and have lots of energy. Sadly some schools/teachers find it hard to cope with a disruptive child especially if a teacher is newly qualified and quite rightly does not have the experience in the classroom which can't be taught on teacher training through the classroom experience.

My advise from one of my own children is to pay to see a professional specialist who can diagnose this and provide you with a written report/action plan. A child when a certain age can receive funding then for a lap top/paper/ink etc and also when older have their exam/s on a 1-1 basis in their own classroom usually with another 60 minutes time given. Whilst this may not be so important at a young age, it's crucial when they are older.

So it's crucial you look around. It's a bit like saying every school has the same approach for a child who is gifted and talented - believe me they don't! Some schools/teachers don't offer proper extension work but more of the same which is wrong. Some schools are also against a child for example reading advanced books which could be to the same level ( or above ) to the year above/or even above that as they think the child is going too fast! Every child is different as we know.
Bit like saying every 12 year old should be at the same level for sport! I know a 12 year old who plays tennis with adults as she's that good and plays for the county too.

Look around but do obtain a professional diagnosis as GP'S are useless and will pass the buck!

[Albionic68]

As an aside he's only four and he's only just started. There's going to be a settling in period as with anything new.

If there's no improvement in his mood thereafter it may be worth looking at taking him out of mainstream education.

Even at that age it's worth remembering that kids can still be little sh yts to others.

On the other hand he just might not be suited to the class size etc. and may appreciate the extra attention of being in a smaller class more suited to his individual needs.

[Albionic68]

Sorry Al', didn't see your post as I was typing out my second one.

[baggieal]

Sorry Al', didn't see your post as I was typing out my second one.

No problem - you have made a good point! We live in a lovely town which Mick knows but even the state schools differ massively both at primary and secondary in terms of academic and support facilities offered to autism/Dyslexia etc. It's a fact.

Private with very small classes and more one to one could be another option!

[mickd1961]

Thanks for the very full replies chaps and I’ll pass all of this on to my son and his partner.

I’m trying to help them but given that the lad isn’t my “natural” grandson I just have to tread a bit more carefully.

My own grandson is only just 4 years old yet was encouraged by the head teacher to start school a couple of weeks ago and he’s really struggling at the moment as well.

We think he has a bit of autism as well, he hates the “hubbub” of the classroom and complains about the noise of the hand driers in the toilets 👀😳

Then again, it may just be genetic and that he’s going to turn into another “ME” and moan about everything on earth!

😏

[boingy]

I’ve pasted your message on my mates what’s app. He has two autistic kids, gone through school years, they are 13 and 10 now.

[DaveP67 is back!]

One thing Mick has he genuinely been diagnosed by an Autism specialist and the diagnosis recorded? Often a GP or School may use the term but unless a proper written diagnosis is given getting help is difficult, my next door neighbours had to walk over broken glass to get their son assessed, they knew he was autistic but without the recorded assessment we’re unable to access help.