To move DD to a private school and back a year in to year 10 after the Easter holidays

[Munichfam5]

DD has struggled at her mainstream school, she is Autistic and is about to take her GCSE's next term but she is hating school and has been upset. She has very few friends at school, feels isolated and she also struggles in classes because they are so big and some of the boys are disruptive i- which she finds very stressful.

So she has said that she would like to move to a private school, that specialises in SEN which is nearby - thjis would mean that she'd go back a year - so she would go into year 10 at the beginning of the summer term...

Her predicted grades are 4's in English and 2''s in her other subjects

I am in favour of doing this but does it sound like a bad idea..?

@MargaretThursday - yes it sounds like they'd be open to taking her from after Easter in to year 10 depending in Exam boards and course - I am speaking to them tomorrow about the options

@Munichfam5

In that case I'd say go for it.

@MargaretThursday - thank you :) I'm going to try and do the best thing for DD :)

If you can afford it and can get a place then it's a fantastic idea. My autistic son is also struggling in mainstream (but still in primary) and he had a trial day at a specialist school. He absolutely loved it, small classes and he said he didn't feel different and he fitted in for the first time. The kids all had been through their own difficulties at mainstream were so friendly and welcoming. Now he can't wait to start! I think it sounds like a great option for your daughter and I'm sure she will find it easier to make friends than at mainstream. Good luck x

Hi @Philisophigal
ah yea - one of her plans was to do Social care at college , so that is an option

In regards to why she doesn’t have friends. It is often harder for people with autism to understand social queues, like when to stop teasing for fun, when not to joke, when to listen, when to offer advice when to be quiet etc. (not all autistic people but for some)
So it may be harder for her to keep friendships. My son has autism and all of the kids in his class are afraid of him, due to melt downs. Or they want to play with him at some points but block him at others due to him not understanding social queues.

The best friend he every had is also from a special needs school. It’s almost like they just get each other quirks and all.