Best type of place to send possible ASD toddler

[Spainintherain]

I have a 2 year old who I think maybe autistic like my 4 year old who has had a terrible time not managing in a big nursery (church hall setting). She has only just been diagnosed.

I don't want to make the same mistake to send him somewhere noisy with lots of children.

Can anyone recommend a type of setting that would suit a possibly autistic toddler. He is noise sensitive. I'm wondering if a child minder is the best option or is there a style like Montessori that suits autistics? The only nurseries near me in classrooms not halls are Montessori. I don't know about their approach and how it would affect an autistic child and their needs.

Bump

I don't think anyone can necessarily recommend a "type".
It will depend, individually, one setting to the next.
Mostly it will depend on the staff - their experience, their knowledge, and their willingness to make adjustments.

Is your dc2 noise sensitive ? Not all children are - it isn't a given. Some children on the spectrum actually prefer having more space - others - as you found with dc1 can be overwhelmed. It is just so individual.

you are already giving your 2nd child a label without having them assessed based on your experience with your 1st and unless it is very obvious they may just be a normal boisterous/whatever 2yr old
ask if you can look round or have a trial to see how your child reacts, dont dismiss settings unless you have at least tried/looked at them

I would use a childminder rather than a nursery at that age. It is less overwhelming and a childminder can adapt to suit your childs needs if necessary. A nursery will have a more rigid inflexible day. Routine is obviously good but some children benefit from a more adaptable approach.

Thank you all.

My dc2 is showing the traits my eldest did at this age. He is even more noise sensitive, we can hardly even sing let alone play music. He has been very unhappy around other children for several months now at the exact same age she started to be.

I haven't labelled him, I'm being very careful and trying to consider what is best to do for my child.

ask if you can look round or have a trial to see how your child reacts, dont dismiss settings unless you have at least tried/looked at them

In my experience there is no best type as each autistic child has different needs. Montessori can be awful for some as it can be less structured but others thrive in these settings as they allow for a more child led progression. As others have said, have a good look at the provision that is available. There is also a service called Portage in some areas (not in all) which should be able to provide you with initial support and advice.

Do you have a local opportunity group nursery? They would have all the experience to support your DS well. It would also be a route in to the Early Years SENCo if you want to get an EHCP in place before school.

It will depend on the setting but I think in general you need to be looking for:

-something as small/quiet as possible,

-a good ratio of adults to children,

-staff who have some training and/or experience of working with children with SN

-somewhere where they will listen to you/work collaboratively.

I think your best bet is a childminder so I would start there, but wouldn't rule out a small, well run nursery either.

Look at the 'local offer' of the nurseries, preschools, child minders etc. It will tell you what experience the setting has had with various conditions. You can then perhaps call and discuss with the manager to find out if they will be a suitable provider for your child.

You should be able to find the info by googling Local offer and putting in your county.