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[Mumfun]

A mum on the special needs board suggested that I post here. A friend has an autistic son and they are in the UK army based in Germany. He hasnt been to school for 2 years as the army refuses to make provision for him. The local education officer doesnt seem to want to know.

Its a difficult situation because the family needs the dads job but it is obviously a really bad situation for the child who really wants to go to school. I think they are concerned also that the army wouldnt want the dad long term if he had to be based in the UK for the childs education.

Anyone got an autistic child in the army and got them an education. How did you do it?

They need to look at Chapter 9 section 5 of the tri-service regulations. That is JSP 752. I am no expert though but that is where the guidance can be viewed. They can look at it on ArmyNet. Good luck.

Can I ask where in Germany they are? I have a friend here at JHQ, near Dusseldorf, with an autistic child and she has finally managed to get some help. Ask your friend if they have the Portage scheme where she is and also, whether Homestart can be any help.

I have always found the Army Families Federation a good source of information and also very good at fighting for the rights of partners and children. If your friend hasn't yet contacted them, I'd recommend she does.

It sounds like an awful situation. I hope she gets results.

We did but DH was married unaccompanied. When things got tuff at home and he was due to be posted out on OD when we really needed him home for a bit longer we found SSAFA and the our GP a great for supporting our needs in writing to his CO.