Which childcare setting is best for a child with high functioning autism?

[TurnThatFrownUpsideDown]

Hello. (I've also posted this in SEN as i wasn't sure where was best).

I was just wondering in your experience/opinions whether an after school club or childminder would be best for a 5yo girl with HFA.

My local after school club (private) is registered for 55 children, but they have just 20 on their books right now. I think this would be good socialising for dd, but might make her feel a bit anxious/overwhelmed.

There are two potential childminders i'm interested in. None of them have any mindees yet though.

My daughter will have to attend 5 days a week - before and after school - when i start full time late August.

Would you recommend i start her over the summer holidays (Scotland), and slowly build her up to the five days rather than throw her right in at the end of August?

And what questions should i ask when i visit each place?

Many thanks for any help.

Hi I am a childminder who looks after a boy with Aspergers Syndrome & I find that he has learnt to fit in very well in my setting. His mother says that he listen to me & not to her sometimes. He has been with me since reception, now in yr 2 and I now have his baby brother during the day when his mother is working. How does she cope with loud noises ans lots of children running around, also what is she like with changes to routine, I'm asking this because I think a childminder might be more suitable for her than an after school club.

I'm a cm in Scotland and would def recommend starting settling in sooner rather than later. Visit cm and go with your gut feelings. A good cm will have a settling in policy which takes account of the needs of the child. I have had several after schoolies, some take a while to settle, some happy to arrive for first time on first day of term. You know your dd best, so work with your cm (or after school club) to do what's best for your child. Good Luck, I'm sure you'll find someone lovely.