Attention difficulties being penalised in school?

[FrothyDragon]

OK, so DS is 11, autistic, dyspraxic and suspected ADHD. On the whole, he's a good kid - polite, helpful and usually respectful (although I've had to ask him not to call a teacher ableist when he feels she's discriminating against him.)

Since the beginning of the school year, I've noticed that he's being punished more and more for certain elements of his SEN being displayed, frequently losing much of his lunch break to finish off work, which is demoralising him, and being moved down on the reward chart for losing focus.

I've spoken to the school repeatedly over the past five months, telling them that DS doesn't feel that he's getting the support he needs, but instead feels he's being punished for having problems focusing. Each time they argue that there's plenty of support in place for him, and each time he argues otherwise. Their answers, however, are vague and I feel I'm banging my head against a brick wall.

Obviously, I want DS to be able to focus. He has his SATS this year. But I'm worried about the effect that penalising him has on his education, as he tends to obsess on the punishment rather than using the fear of punishment to focus. In short, the fear of punishment becomes another distraction. Obviously, I'm not the SENCO, I'm not the education expert, but surely there's other ways of helping him keep focus rather than punishment?

[WheelAndDome]

Make an appointment with the SENCO and be clear about what you are concerned about-specifics are good and what actions need to be taken. Follow up and be that parent...

[Advicewouldbelovelyta]

I'd definetly speak to senco, they should be using a reward based approach based on his specific needs/abilities.
He definetly should not be being punished for something caused by his SEN. Go down there, have a meeting and get it sorted. I would be very unhappy with his teacher if my son was punished for having SEN.

[vasillisa]

and email them afterwards with action points. That way you have a paper trail....

Been there.