will he adjust?

[Lcw29]

My sons started year 1 today. He's possibly autistic but waiting for an assessment. He apparently was very tired this afternoon to the point he'd had enough and went to do something with the TA.

Tonight he doesn't want to sleep. He's anxious and said he hates school as it's too much. Do you think he'll settle? I'm really worried he won't cope.

It's early days. It's really normal to find the transition hard and there's a good chance he'll settle in just fine. The first day is bound to be tiring as everything feels new and different. I think loads of Y1 kids will feel exhausted the first few days.

If the issue continues past the first few days, the school should have lots of ways they can support him and make things easier for him. You don't have to wait until the diagnosis - adjustments should be made anyway, if he needs them.

I would let the teacher know how he is feeling so they are aware he may need some extra help with the transition. And keep in contact with the teacher and SENCo about any concerns.

I do know autistic kids who have ended up only attending school part time, moving to a school with small classes, or spending a lot of time outside the classroom with a learning support assistant (if they have funding for one). But I also know others who have not needed that and have got on fine in a mainstream classroom.

So it might help to remember that there are lots of options if you need them further down the line, and you will find the right things for your child.

In summary - I can't you tell whether it will be easy or hard to get him to a point where he will feel happy and settled - but I believe you will find a way to get there