Help! School for ASD kid

[Sandybay]

I'm thinking of boarding school for my 11yr old son who has ASD. He's not severe but I wouldn't say he's very mild on the spectrum as he does have social issues and some learning difficulties. No one would suspect that he's autistic until they sit down and have an in depth conversation with him and realise that all he wants to talk about is buses! Or sit & do Maths with him! He a very sweet boy but here in Hong Kong unfortunately we're running out of options in terms of schooling. Does anyone know anything about Stanbridge Earls? Any other school recommendation would be appreciated. We're pulling our hair out as the mainstream schools here do not want to admit anyone with an ASD diagnosis unless they're super brilliant academically. Thanks!

[Iceflower]

Hello Sandybay, I'm picturing you living in a sandy bay in HK, where it's nice and warm

Two years I looked into Stanbridge Earls for dd who is dyslexic and at the time, I thought, mild Asperger's. Anyway, I did the visit and the premises were very impressive - nicely maintained, latest IT equipment, brand new swimming pool block and they were in the middle of upgrading all the boarding accommodation.

However, when they read dd's statement, they said they weren't suitable as they were primarily a dyslexia school .

The Headteacher who was new in post was lovely and I had good vibes about the place. A friend's ds (ADHD) was expelled from there!!!

Have you looked at Cambian and Priory Group schools?

[Sandybay]

Hi Iceflower. In fact I do live by the beach! And its 25 degrees now! : )
Thank you very much for responding.
What are Cambian and Priory Group schools?
I would have to consider boarding schools and don't know where to start.
I couldn't find many boarding schools online and some, I'm not sure if they are institutions or schools.
Ideally, I'd like to see my DS in a more mainstream setting with resources for his ASD.
Or a special school that provides for high functioning ASD.
Is there a school like Stanbridge Earls for ASD?
Many thanks.

[Iceflower]

Hi there, this is a huge subject . Have you visited the National Autistic Society website?
www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/education/primary-and-secondary-school/choosing-school-in-england-wales.aspx

Cambian schools - www.cambiangroup.com/specialist_education

Priory group - www.priorygroup.com/Personal%20Site/Education%20Services%20and%20Fostering/Overview.aspx

Note: Cambian and Priory Group schools are £££££s!

Choosing a school is difficult enough, choosing one with additional needs harder, but trying to do it from abroad even harder. Good luck.

[Veritate]

Cambian schools are very good but very expensive (over £100K a year). Have a look at Southlands and Grateley. Another possibility could be LVS Hassocks.

[Sandybay]

OMG! Who can afford to pay those fees! Had a look at Grateley, Its over
122 000 pounds a year! That makes it about Over 10 000pounds a month!

[Sandybay]

Thanks Iceflower & Veritate. I'll have alook at the Autism website.

[pinkorkid]

www.stdominicsschool.org.uk/
www.morehouseschool.co.uk/

Have a look at these two - don't think they are as expensive as priory or cambian schools.