Scared of toddler eventually going to school

[mummaforever2000]

I'm terrified at the thought of my toddler eventually going to school. Is that a common worry? Worried about them feeling sad or overwhelmed, and the possibility of social difficulties or rejection & the emotional impact that it could cause. Toddler is predisposed to neurodiversity as myself and dad have autism & adhd, and have already noticed early signs. I'd be prepared & confident to carry out home education, and make sure they have access to regular social meets & clubs etc. But should they have a go at mainstream education first? Or could that cause early irreversible damage?

Maybe try playschool first?

If you want to and are happy to home educate - and it sounds like you know a bit about it - why would you send to school first? Yes, it can cause damage. Not to every kid, sure. But a lot of ND kids just don't get on with school, and you'd have a harder job home educating a kid who developed school trauma before being withdrawn.

You can always opt into school later.

Facebook group Home Education As First Choice Education might be a useful place to discuss with other people home educating from the beginning- not too many here on MN.

Does your DC go to preschool or nursery? If not, that might be a good start, to get both you & them used to the separation & for you to start accepting that others can be trusted to look after your child.
It is scary at first; you do worry about how they feel, what happens etc, but it's part of growing up & does need to happen at some point.

@eekle thank you so much 💜

@APurpleSquirrel thank you 💜

Yes will do preschool to see how they go, will give insight into accurate diagnosis then go from there 💜

I would definitely try nursery first, home schooling will always be there as a back up. DD (in year 1) is under assessment for ASD and despite school refusal during reception she now loves going to school and misses it on the weekends. We moved her schools in reception and found one that worked for her. I would definitely have a look round and see which schools have a good SEN department, ask to talk to the SENCO to see what the school offer as support for children, in case it’s needed. But I do think that for some ASD children school can be a good way of helping them to work on social skills, if the school is supportive and works with them. I think it’s worth a try.

@Namechanger965 great advice, thank you 💜