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AIBU?

To change the furniture whilst an autistic child is out of the room.

51 replies

goodgirlgonebad73 · 18/10/2016 19:53

Parents of ASD children (or anybody else really!) would it bother your child if they were at school, got sent out for a support lesson and came back to find the furniture changed.
As in completely different tables, chairs and cupboards?
Would they freak out or not mind?
More of a WIBU than AIBU as it's not me planning to do this.

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WhoJazz · 18/10/2016 19:55

What's the reason though? Why not overnight? That would be less jarring imo.

Cassimin · 18/10/2016 19:55

All asd kids are different, it is a very wide spectrum.
Whoever is working with the child should understand their needs.

AchingBack · 18/10/2016 19:55

My dd would be, she's high functioning and needs to be prepped for things like this as it would set off her anxiety big time.

Smartleatherbag · 18/10/2016 19:56

Mine would. But it's down to the individual.

wowbutter · 18/10/2016 19:57

I don't have asd and it would freak me out a bit.

The children I have had the pleasure of working with, who have asd would all have hated it.

wowbutter · 18/10/2016 19:57

I don't have asd and it would freak me out a bit.

The children I have had the pleasure of working with, who have asd would all have hated it.

DestinyTheWhale · 18/10/2016 19:58

Yes my DS (9) would be very stressed if this happened

karigan · 18/10/2016 19:59

Completely agree with Cassimin. I've taught some ASD kids for whom this would throw off the whole day, and others for whom it wouldn't matter a bit. It's down to the individual and the learning support/teacher should know how much foreward prepping that child should need. (I personally think it would be worth briefing /every/ child just because some children are really adversely affected by changes in environment.

Stevefromstevenage · 18/10/2016 20:00

Wouldn't remotely bother my son.

Arfarfanarf · 18/10/2016 20:01

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OnchaoFerngrass · 18/10/2016 20:01

I don't think it would freak him out as such, but he would spend the next 6 months asking where the table/cupboard is now.

He would be happier if he were allowed to help!

Ifounddory · 18/10/2016 20:02

My high functioning asd child would likely loose her shit over this. She would be utterly confused and likely panic. Why would you do something like this anyway?

If it has to be done please warn the child beforehand and give them time to process it.

Flisspaps · 18/10/2016 20:02

I have ASD and this would bother me greatly.

coff33andChoc · 18/10/2016 20:05

don't think it would bother my DC (9, severe Asd) very much.

honkinghaddock · 18/10/2016 20:05

Mine would either refuse to go back in the room or go in, get very hyper and then explode.

Cocoabutton · 18/10/2016 20:07

DS would prefer to know what was going to happen, how and when it was going to happen, who was taking away the old furniture, whether his desk would be in the same place, where the new furniture was coming from - you get the picture. Too many unanswered questions if it simply changed. He would find it unsettling. But I have no idea how he would react as I tend to talk through everything, and his school are sensitive to these things.

Cocoabutton · 18/10/2016 20:10

I suspect DS would hold it together at school and have a meltdown when he got home, though. I always feel a bit like I am playing catch up as he mostly copes in the classroom and the furies are unleashed at home time, then I need to work out what the issue was even though I was not there.

SisterViktorine · 18/10/2016 20:10

I sometimes move the furniture round in my classroom. There are occasions when it is necessary- new pupils so need to fit in a new workstation etc. This has to happen in the evening when the pupils are not there at that is when we are able to do it safely. If I can I will explain before hand- especially if workstations are moving. It's not always possible though as sometimes it's a reactive response to an issue that has come up and needs resolving immediately.

Some of them are a bit anxious about it for a while. I've never had anyone have a full meltdown about that particular issue. Maybe one day someone will- but it won't mean I can just not do it.

I struggle to believe a classroom could be stripped and entirely refurnished and be ready to go in the course of a support lesson?

NeeNahh · 18/10/2016 20:11

I can see why this would be an issue for an autistic child but can also see why a school might take this decision in some circumstances , given limited resources and the need to consider all children's needs. I think we need more information before deciding whether or not this is unreasonable.

monkeywithacowface · 18/10/2016 20:12

Wouldn't bother mine but I know it would be hugely upsetting for others. If you think it is going to be a problem then you need to prepare them for the change don't just let them walk in and find out. Lots of ways to help them deal with it.

nennyrainbow · 18/10/2016 20:13

I have 2 boys with ASD (11 & 6) and I don't think this would bother either of them at all. But I know other kids with ASD for whom this would be a big deal / wreck their day.

PolterGoose · 18/10/2016 20:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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RebelRogue · 18/10/2016 20:16

I'm an adult with no SEN and i'd be freaked out if everything changed while i was on my lunch break.
As for kids...it will depend on the child,their intervention plans,their needs. One of the boys i work with would have no issues as his comfort are his 1 on 1 TA and his toys. Another however would have a huge meltdown and probably tantrum/cry/punch/kick or refuse to set foot in the classroom fr the rest of the day.

WhooooAmI24601 · 18/10/2016 20:18

My 11 year old has ASD and at Christmas we always move the living room furniture around to accommodate the tree/tat. He does it with me. It'd be faster and less bonkers doing it solo (he loves to launch himself across the room when the sofas are in the middle being dragged about by my poor back) but this way he feels like he's involved/prepared and he doesn't lose his shit.

If we're having new furniture we involve him first. Not only because of his ASD but because some folk just don't like change; DS2 is 5 and doesn't have ASD but also loves to know what's going on in advance. It's far easier for everyone to know in advance.

goodgirlgonebad73 · 18/10/2016 20:21

Thanks, all helpful views. Basically a friend of mine who teaches an ASD class In an SEN school and is a bit at a new HT ideas. Changing tables, chairs and cupboards (no not stripping the whole room)
HT wants to take the kids out for a lesson, have the staff change things over then bring them back. Teacher unsure whether to go with it (preparing kids as best she can) or to take more of a stand.

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