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Would you do it? Move 300 miles??

Ds although very young still (5), I can see that mainstream is going to be tough esp bullying etc

Trying to get a placement at a asd unit in mainstream secondry level is going to be tough.

I am going to visit a couple of schools in London and Surrey over next few months.

What is provision like primary and secondry level for asd down this way? Does it involve a tribunal like where I am?

Would I be jumping from frying pan to fire?

Sorry to double post (in children's SN) but didnt know where I'd get more response.

I am in London/Surrey with an autistic DS and although I haven't been to tribunal, I know a lot of pals who have. I am also somewhat sceptical about the so-called excellent autism schools down here , as my boy attended an autism-specific pre-school, which taught him precisely nowt. I think the situation at secondary may be slightly better than some parts of the country. However, I am possibly biased as I favour ABA and mainstream , rather than special school and TEACCH. Which schools are you looking at? Rainbow in Wandsworth is excellent; I hear less good things about the Link and linden Bridge.

Jigsaw...dont know any others that would do ABA? (ds has ABA on statement now so know it will transfer).

Jigsaw is only for pre-school so it wouldn't apply to your DS now.

is it? I thought it took to age of 16 yrs??

The one in Cranleigh, Surrey?

will arrange to look at Rainbow...thanks sickokSSE! I too do not want TEACCH didnt work on ds.

Rainbow goes till 16, or will do soon when they move to bigger premises. If I ever send DS to special school, that's the only one I'd consider as they have a 1-to-1 staff/pupil ratio and use VB. Two mums I know who have kids there are really really pleased with it.The head was a v impressive lady, didn't suck up to parents, tells it how it is. Step by Step is another one I hear good things about. A lot of the TEACCH schools (eg Eagle House) seem to have got themselves great reputations, but I have met many a mum who is bemused by their kids lack of progress at these schools.

Sorry!! I thought you were talking about another Jigsaw in Richmond.

thanks castlesin...had booked the hotel and all....phew!

Sickof do you know any parents of dc in Jigsaw?

I do not know any kids at Jigsaw want2sleep, but I've had a quick peek at the prospectus and am impressed that a) it was set up originally by parents (a good sign I reckon) and b) that it uses ABA. Actually I would be quite interested in what you think of it! I have a friend in Sutton whose kid is financed to go to Eagle House (rubbish) and is hoping they will also finance Rainbow - but of course out of borough provision is always harder to win.

If I find your number in week I will give you a call SOSCE.

are you usually a different name, if so would love to speak in week! I am not that near Jigsaw, much nearer Rainbow, but would love to see you in real life if poss! My feeling is that I would only ever send DS to one of these ABA schools, none of the others, if mainstream/home ed doesnt' work out. Actually I find the headteachers can be pretty informative about how to go about the battle with LEA, as they've seen it all before and know the right tactics to use to win a place!

Love to meet up SOSCE

I think I have you email will email you.

nope cant find your email SOSCE

My email is (without spaces)

need coffee at hot mail dot co dot uk

Ooops sorry SOSCE's....email

replace hot mail with live