Single sex secondaries and ASD

[cardboardcactus]

I'm really interested in people's views on this and maybe even people's experiences. My DS is 9, in year 5, and has Asperger's. The majority of secondaries in my area are single sex. I'm much more in favour of mixed schools (and that's my own experience) but that's what's here. But I do wonder if this might make interacting with girls and women a really big challenge for him (he's an only child- no sisters!). Or might it even be helpful in removing one social minefield from his day to day life? My instinct is that mixed is more helpful in preparing for you life afterwards, and maybe especially so if you have social communication difficulties. But does it makes that much difference?What do people think?

[cardboardcactus]

Thanks zzzzzz. Yes simplifying the dynamic is possibly a good thing for a boy with asd. I've always just assumed that I'd go for co-ed, but without them being an option and now with asd to consider I'm a bit confused.

[ThreeBeeOneGee]

DS2 went to mixed primary and is now at single-sex secondary. It's all working out well for him so far. We chose the secondary because it was the best only possible school in terms of meeting his needs, but I am relieved that at least one potential source of social misunderstanding is removed from the equation. He attends two weekly youth groups where there are plenty of girls.

[cardboardcactus]

Thanks threebee, that's really positive to hear!