Change of class request

[LetsgoEspeon]

My son will be starting p5 next year (we’re in Scotland). He has an ASD diagnosis. He’s very bright and well-behaved. Although the composition of classes changes each year (depending on that year’s given intake), we have been extremely fortunate in that he has been with a core group of friends each year, thus far. These friends have encouraged him to really enjoy school, boosted his confidence and helped him to participate fully in school life.
Here’s the AIBU….we’ve just received his class allocation for next year and while all his friends are in the P5 class, he’s going to be one of only 6 p5 children in a p5/6 composite class. He isn’t friends with any of them and knows very few of the older children that will make up the vast majority of the cohort. Would I be unreasonable to ask the school whether it would be possible for him to be moved to the p5 class? Does anyone have any experience of a similar situation? I should add that there is no issue with his teacher. We would be very happy with any teacher in the school. Thoughts much appreciated, thanks.

Cheers @Neuronimo! I feel pretty drained as it was a fairly unpleasant meeting. However, the end result and my son’s happiness are what matters :)

It’s a shame you have stifled his growth like this.

It would have been good for him to be around others and learn how to interact with those he doesn’t know and make friends.

I think you have done the right thing. Peer support would have made my son's transition so much easier. He was so keen to learn and it was just impossible in the environment he found himself in. We also had a horrific fight to get a class change, but ultimately we were eventually supported by the school and they and he turned it around.

I don't agree that it stifles growth, for children with ASD to feel some sort of familiarity. To put a child in a class with none of his friends is like pulling the rug out from under them.