DS is 3.5 years old. Diagnosed with ASD in December. He is completely non verbal, but more frustratingly doesn’t seem to have basic levels of understanding, such as ‘get the cup’ etc. Not toilet trained and I can’t see it happening anytime soon, again not really talking related but more understanding.
He goes to formal school not this September but September 2022.
His private nursery agree that theirs isn’t really in his best interests and he’s benefit from the facilities offered by the local Special school. Of which is the only one for miles and miles, and caters for those with complex needs, including things like complex physical health conditions.
I’m just wondering how you know a special school is really right for them? Sometimes I wonder will DC not benefit more from being around just average, school children in a mainstream setting? Like the real world has most of and expects you to conform to? Or will a special school be better really? As it has amazing equipment and great stuff such as hydrotherapy and speech and language within the school setting.
I know you can’t legally exclude a child for not being toilet trained, but I can’t see how it would be pleasant for DS or his peers if he’s in nappies at school?
It does state on their website that they take children with autistic if it’s ‘very moderate to severe’. But they didn’t actually say where my DS is when he was diagnosed, and I was told they can’t say anymore and nobody will be told going forward, it’s just a blanket diagnosis of ASD.
We’re submitting evidence to a panel in May to gain a place. From what I’ve read online it can be difficult to get in with funding but his school and the local SEN support for them seem very positive that he will get a yes?
Thank you for any advice x