Son with ASD, ADHD starting Secondary in September.

[FiveHoursSleep]

And I'm dreading it :(
I'm acting very positive about it in front of the family but am really worried about how he'll cope. I already have two girls with ASD in mainstream secondary, but at a different one, so DS's school is new to all of us.
Anyone else in the same boat?

[Dunnangallforever]

Yes me! I have an autistic ds starting mainstream secondary school in September. I know theres going to be lots of challenges and I'm dreading it. He really doesn't like school and homework results in meltdowns so I know we are in for lots of problems!

[FiveHoursSleep]

My DS seems to like the idea of the after school HW club but it's an extra hour at school each day.
Dunnangall, what's your son like socially? Mine really doesn't have friends. He'd like some but he has no idea how to make/keep them :(

[Dunnangallforever]

He used to have friends at school but as they've got older they've pretty much drifted apart. As the gap seems to widen between them. He says he doesn't care about having friends but I can see he would like a friend or two. He's gets on great with his cousins though. It was his last day at school yesterday and I felt sad for him he didn't have anyone to say goodbye too really. I have suggested homework club but he won't entertain the idea at the moment.

[FiveHoursSleep]

DS's 'friends' have tended to be girls but they aren't really friends- the mother or organise him.
He also has three older sisters so is used to girls.
Rightly or wrongly, we have chosen a boys's school for him for secondary- actually he chose it.
I'm not holding out much hope of him making friends but it would be good if he could learn how to cope with being around boys/ men.
He was also sad that he didn't have friends to say goodbye to on his last day :(

[Oritseje]

I have a 9 year son with autism and going to year 5 in September and I’m dreading it as he doesn’t have any friends either. I can’t even imagine how you feel about secondary. How do you decide whether to apply for mainstream or Special need second? My school has suggested we start thinking about secondary school now but I’m terrified. Any advice pls on mainstream vs special need secondary.

[FiveHoursSleep]

Oritseje, my son doesn't have an EHCP as he is 'academically able' so we don't have a chance getting him into a more suitable school. :( The SN schools here are really for kids with learning difficulties.
If your son could get a place at a school that suits his needs better, I'd definitely go for that!

[Oritseje]

Thanks for you input. Much appreciated