What has been your experience of your ‘High-Functioning’ ASD / ADHD child going to mainstream secondary school? My DS is in Year 5 and very academically able. He is happy at his mainstream primary, but frankly he is hopeless socially. They struggle with social cues, have no friends, and act very silly and immature. Whilst he is accepted by his peers, he has no friends, and has been called weird / freak in the past 😔
We have been told that he will not qualify for an EHCP as he is very intelligent and ahead academically, and there are no real reasons to warrant it as he is quite happy at school.
My real concern is secondary school, as that’s when I hear time and time again that ASD / ADHD kids fall apart.
I have three options:
- Mainstream Secondary
- Private School
- Private School that specialises in students with high-functioning ASD.
We can afford the private options, but it will mean cutting back and financial sacrifices.
Those who have been in my position, what would you do, and how did your children cope in mainstream?