How would Autistic children in a class effect my daughter ?

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I'm concidering a primary school with a specialist unit attached for children with autism. They are in the regular classes as much as possible and they play with the other children at play times.
I just wondered how it would affect teaching for the rest of the class? I know that autistic children need a lot of support and attention, bless them and could be disruptive. I also worry about supervision in the playground, as I know form experience of working with autistic adults that they can become violent and be unpredictable.
I want my daughter to grow up having an understanding and tollerence to all sorts of people, but I do think I'd worry about her as she is very tactile and very sensitive. She is also very easily disrupted.

Disagree, Fabio. If you read MML's other posts, she really is extremely anxious. She has also made it clear that a lot of her anxiety stems from her experiences at school. I was making a sincere and well-motivated response, which in general contrasts with most on this thread.

It is well known that children pick up on the anxieties of parents, and Lucy will not be unaware of how her mum feels. I was merely suggesting that she gets some help to resolve her own experiences, so that she can be as positive as possible about Lucy starting school.

Mummyloveslucy, as the only person entitled to be offended if my opinion was way off base, I apologise if you feel that my post was off-base. I was sincerely concerned for both you and Lucy. I hope that you are able to pick out the sound advice from this thread, and are reassured about your choice of school.

My kids don't have SN and I wouldn't be offended if someone wanted to bless them.
Is that wrong? Why shouldn't I feel demeaned or patronised if someone says "bless" about them? I mean, what holds for SN kids should hold for non-SN kids, right?
PBK shakes head in confusion at PC-language-itis.

Not, coco.
At least you didn't tell her she was soooo anxious she was damaging her child and needs psychiatric help.

Sorry, MLL, we xposted. Like I say, I was honestly concerned for you because I could feel your anxiety, and that isn't a good thing to still have years after school. I am sure that you are a really conscientious mum, and Lucy is a lucky lady. I hope that helping with the reading at school will help you to move on also

Fabio, counselling is far from psychiatric help. It is merely an opportunity to voice your experiences and work through them so you can move on. I hardly suggested MML signs up to the local psych unit, did I?

lou - I think it's quite normal to be a touch anxious about any child with a speech/language problem going into mainstream school.

in response to the OP - I think your DD will benefit from being in a school with attached specialist unit, as the school will be used to dealing with all sorts of SN, and should also be on top of issues such as lunch/playtime supervision etc. I can understand why posters such as pagwatch and jimjams would be a touch frustrated by the queries raised.

lou031205- Honsetly, she dosn't know I'm anxious about it, I never mention it at home or to my husband so she won't have even overheard it.
When I spend time with her, we have loads of fun playing chatting singing dancing etc. She is a very confident happy child.
To anyone who sees me would think that I'm very confident too.
I'm sure when she starts school, I'll be posting saying how good it is and how she enjoys it etc.
You're not way of mark though and I certanly don't take offence and what you or anyone else has said.
All coments are ment to help me and I appreciate anyone who's taken the time to answer.

That should've said - I don't take offence to what you or anyone else has said.

I did a night shift last night. (my excuse!)

I am horrified at the responses MLL has had here. I have seen her on the board a few times and I have never seen her be unkind or critical of anyone else.

There is nothing wrong with "bless them".

And there is peachy's thread running right now about how there can be problems when an AS child with violent behaviour is given less than the support he needs in mainstream school.

And ok, she can't spell. She's dyslexic. I hope you all feel proud of yourselves. Sheesh.

I'd be more concerned about sending a child to a primary school which is not academically selective. I wanted mine educatd at a school where most children can't get in as they aren'te clever enough so the whole class works at a very high level pace and no one is disruptive. Some autistic children would meet those requirements if they had a 120+ IQ and many others wouldn't but single sex very selective and academic is teh way to go at primary but you only get that if you picked a career good enough to pay fees in the UK of course,. So as ever it comes down to money and power and ensuring women work in good jobs.

Xeina- I would if I could, believe me.

I hope you're not implying that I've failed my little girl by not being clever enough to get a well paid job?
At least I'll be with her more and I'm sure having her happy, non stressed mummy around would be better for her.

Xenia's not being personal. She posts almost the exact same post on every thread about schooling

Xenia's not being personal. She posts almost the exact same post on every thread about schooling

No, it's not the catholic school. She's at the nursery of that one at the moment, but will be going to the local primary.
The catholic one is private, it's absoluitly gorgeous and everything I'd want in a school, they would be supportive of my daughters needs too. We can't afford it though with the extra help she'd need on top.
She'll be well supported in the state primary and that way she can have some hobbies etc and we won't be in total poverty.

If the school is well run and the staff are well trained and the support is in place, then it will be fine and they'll be on the ball and deal with anything that crops up.

Problems, ime, tend to occur when the school is not up to scratch. So if it's a good school and they care about the kids (all the kids...) you've nothing to worry about.

Xenia has answered my posts before and seemed lovely. I thought this was a bit out of charactor.
I'm pleased for her that she can afford top schools etc, but she dosn't need to make people feel awful if they can't.

You are so nice. Xenia was being entirely in character

You have been very graceful under fire again here MLL.

Actually this seems to be a typical Xenia post IMO

Wow. As the mother of a boy with a mild asd, I find your 'bless them' quite

Xenia, I would do anything to give my daughter the best in life. Her speech therapist and nursery have commented on how dedicated we as parents are. EVERYONE is doing the best they can for their children, not just you.