Leaving child home alone

[cinnaMonns]

My daughter is 14 next month, she's autistic. What age can I leave her alone without getting into trouble? I know the nspcc recommendation but I have been told it's different for sen kids but I can't find any information for kids with sen. I only mean whilst I take my other kids to school as she's stopped wanting to come. Would only take about 20 mins. Can I really never leave her alone? What about when she's 16? It's just not realistic or practical to take her all the time.

Well do YOU think she'll be safe?
My DD with additional needs was ok from 10. She is pretty much incapable of breaking a rule.
Others will be unsafe into adulthood.

You have to make the assessment, there is no law.

I think at this stage it's pretty much your call, you know her capabilities better than anyone. You're not going to get into trouble with any authorities, so do what feels right for you.

Yes, will she be safe on her own for 20 minutes? That’s what it boils down to.

We cant tell then you can leave your autistic
child. It's up to your to work out.

My understanding is there is no specific guidelines. If you’re okay about it and so is she, then that’s fine. Assume she has a phone?
first few times I left DD (aged 11?) I sent her a text to say I was in the shop and when id be back.
DD just hides in her room still if I’m out.

Depends.
Does she need 24 7 supervision or not?

There is guidelines as I was reported once for leaving my other child alone and they did contact me so I am being extra careful now so what age will they not be interested. Yes I think it would be fine but it's how others could view it?

It's not really about age if there is SEN to consider, it will be about her own capabilities and cognitive function, what age is she operating at op?

I've been leaving my autistic 13 year old for up to 2 hours or so for a year at least. He literally does nothing but sit on his phone.
Clearly I have no idea whether your child would be safe but it comes down to your judgement. My actual biggest concern is whether he would leave the house in an emergency or just sit there. I leave back windows unlocked and a key in front, side and back door so he can always get out. He's instructed to stay downstairs and not answer front door. I do WhatsApp him regularly but he usually hangs up on me 🙄

My understanding is that for an NT child,
11/12 is the age that no one would be concerned if they were left alone for a while during the day. Others might disagree with me, but basically, they’re secondary age.

With SEN, it’s surely dependent on how safe they are when left alone. At 14, she’s physically old enough, but could she cope?

SEN is such a spectrum of needs.
I don’t think anyone can answer this for you. Some children need 24/7 121 for example.

I'm not asking what age I should if that makes sense but more what age authorities would not be concerned? I think she would be fine whilst I pop to the school with the others it's more what age authorities would no longer be concerned. Is that 16?

It depends
Does she go to and from school.on her own?
Dies she walk to the shop on her own? Can she make herself tea and toast?
Can she use a phone?
Would she open the door to a scammer?

Perhaps take a look at the NSPCC website:

www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/in-the-home/home-alone/

As mentioned on my post I have but doesn't mention Sen.

She doesn't cook or go out alone but she wouldn't be expected to it's 20 mins she wouldn't need to cook anything.

And yes she can use a phone

I have no qualms about leaving my ND pre-teen home alone. She will just dance in her room. Will never open the door but can get next door to our neighbour we are very friendly with in an emergency.

I doubt she will be able to go out by herself, even to the park or local co-op, until she is at the very least 16+. If she has to communicate with a stranger she goes mute and would easily be overwhelmed.

There is no one-size-fits-all, especially with SEN.

You need to judge as a parent if she is safe or not

I thought that was the case but doesn't stop people reporting you so covering myself

That's the same for my daughter she doesn't go out alone but I think home is safer anyway she wouldn't try to cook anything she just sits in her room playing on her phone

How old was your other child that was left alone?

If you’re quite worried you can talk to someone in her care team or school about pros/cons. If you and they are confident, they can track it in their notes. Then if someone reports there is an easy route to discuss.

can’t stop people from reporting and usually it’s in good faith

She's home educated so not possible

Hello
The fact that your asking here suggests you may not feel confident leaving your dd just yet so my advice would be don't just yet make
My dd is 14 (almost 15) and autistic and leaving her at home is mostly led by her with us doing the adulting alongside. So sometimes she's fine ) me walking the dog with phone ) others she is not (going shopping but then out for a quick bite on a dark evening)
We can tell her not to light candles but if she wants candles she will inevitably still light them so we adjust accordingly
We leave her for short periods of time but she stays on the phone to older siblings or us anyway
I wouldn't leave her for long because she would get scared especially if it's getting dark
No one knows your child better than you though so if you're not sure don't leave her just yet
My other dc were babysitting others at 15 so were way more mature but not autistic
Rather than worry about being reported have a conversation with your child and discuss it.
If you are hesitant wait a year and have another conversation.
Her safety and well being are paramount.
Apologies I haven't read the other responses but take care