Page 23 | I am an "autism expert". Ask me anything.

AutismProf · 2023-05-18T20:18:27+00:00

Worked in autism assessment, diagnosis and intervention on the education side for 20+ years. Ask me anything. However, please note that I cannot personally do anything about waiting lists for diagnosis, or the education system, and I won't be blamed for these!

Toddlerone · 27/03/2024 16:35

Thanks @AutismProf. I'd be interested in resources for professionals that support ND teens.

Smooshybonbon · 07/05/2024 09:37

@AutismProf i came across your thread whilst searching for advice. My 3.5yo is awaiting an autism assessment. We moved him from nursery to montessori pre school at 3 and after 4 months we withdrew him because they couldnt cope with his "violent outbursts, destructive behaviour" - he was very withdrawn during that time, at home also we experience the same behaviour, something which had been happening for a long time. We think that he struggled being in a bilingual environment and wondered if the class size was too big, too overwhelming. We experience alot of "its too noisy, too bright, too windy, smelly etc", also likes taking his clothes off at home or soft play, likes to be naked. He really didnt want to go to the school and would fight every morning. So we moved him to a small English school (only offers part time hours) and he loves it, hes like a different kid there and at home. He really is happy and thriving. Its all in English and there are only a maximum of 6 kids in his class, 2 teachers. So now apart from the odd meltdown, food fussiness and sensory issues he seems fine.
Heres the dilemma, we have provisionally enrolled him into an English preschool from Sept because we wanted full time 9 to 3 soni can go back to work. But the class sizes are much bigger 22 kids. On one hand i think well hes happy now dont move him, doesnt need to officially start school until next year but the current pre school is part time so only offers this year, when he turns 4 he has to leave anyway. Or try him in the new school and see how he goes? Its all in English with a big focus on play. I suppose im wondering if he would benefit from a year just being happy where he is and in a years time better able to communicate and manage his frustrations? But if anything crops up from his assessment it may impact him when we apply for school next year. We are overseas so we want him to go to an international school not public as the language barrier adds to his frustration.

Original poster

AutismProf · 11/05/2024 09:03

Smooshybonbon · 07/05/2024 09:37

@AutismProf i came across your thread whilst searching for advice. My 3.5yo is awaiting an autism assessment. We moved him from nursery to montessori pre school at 3 and after 4 months we withdrew him because they couldnt cope with his "violent outbursts, destructive behaviour" - he was very withdrawn during that time, at home also we experience the same behaviour, something which had been happening for a long time. We think that he struggled being in a bilingual environment and wondered if the class size was too big, too overwhelming. We experience alot of "its too noisy, too bright, too windy, smelly etc", also likes taking his clothes off at home or soft play, likes to be naked. He really didnt want to go to the school and would fight every morning. So we moved him to a small English school (only offers part time hours) and he loves it, hes like a different kid there and at home. He really is happy and thriving. Its all in English and there are only a maximum of 6 kids in his class, 2 teachers. So now apart from the odd meltdown, food fussiness and sensory issues he seems fine.
Heres the dilemma, we have provisionally enrolled him into an English preschool from Sept because we wanted full time 9 to 3 soni can go back to work. But the class sizes are much bigger 22 kids. On one hand i think well hes happy now dont move him, doesnt need to officially start school until next year but the current pre school is part time so only offers this year, when he turns 4 he has to leave anyway. Or try him in the new school and see how he goes? Its all in English with a big focus on play. I suppose im wondering if he would benefit from a year just being happy where he is and in a years time better able to communicate and manage his frustrations? But if anything crops up from his assessment it may impact him when we apply for school next year. We are overseas so we want him to go to an international school not public as the language barrier adds to his frustration.

I would leave him where he is happy as long as possible, and get a transition plan up and running for moving to a larger school. A school that would refuse a place to a diagnosed autistic 4 year old on principle isn't going to be the right place for him anyway.

OP posts:

Vittoria123 · 20/05/2024 14:38

Hello
Sorry for the long post but I’d really like some advice on my DD . She is currently 15 months . She has started walking at 12 and currently she has 15 words under her belt . She smiles at people and wave at them . She also imitates what she sees on tv and the peak aboo game . When she is out she loves kicked her ball and run on the sand and grass . My main concern is that she is a disaster with food unless I feed her . She does a bit of toe walking and still a bit of stimming like twirling wrists and flicking if tired or excited . I am a first time mum and very anxious . I’d like to know if there is anything I need to address or if it is completely normal for her age .
Many many thanks ☺️