Schools for ASD kids

[Velvetrevolution]

My daughter is 9, has high functioning ASD, but can’t cope with the demands of school.
I’m worried about secondary. I’m not sure she would cope with mainstream secondary. Any ideas? Could go independent, but would need to be relaxed ethos and good with SEN. In Tayside but could consider moving.

Always a good idea to post the same question on specific Facebook sites - ausome families in Edinburgh and Lothian for example but there will be a group for your area. Will pm you our experience fwiw.

velvet there are at least 2 high schools in Perth with specialist ASD provisions. There’s also a private school in Stirling (I think!).

I would imagine there are options in Dundee.

I’m in H&I so mine will be going to a high school with just 50 pupils. It’s mainstream, but obviously quieter and “less busy” and the staff have more time. He’s really looking forward to it.

It’s worth phoning any school of interest to check eligibility as some of them you have to be able to demonstrate failures in previous provision etc, sometimes 2 previous placement failures, that’s why I say joining the local Facebook groups and asking can be so helpful.

I've heard great things about Clifton Hall in Edinburgh. Smaller school and very focussed on the individual needs of the pupil.

I’m in Perth, but the high schools here are massive. My oldest went to Perth High, he has ASD too, and didn’t do very well, despite them saying he had high potential in CAC tests in first year! He never had school refusal though. Middle son is going to Dundee High. I have friends in Glasgow and Stirling, so more tempted by a move in that direction rather
than Edinburgh. Yes, think there are schools for people who fail in mainstream, but don’t think there’s any in Tayside. Was there any local FB groups for autism you had in mind Daffodil?

Riverside Primary and St Modan's High in Stirling both have specific ASD provision units. They aren't small schools but I think the units are somewhat separate. That way the schools could also accommodate any siblings in the main part of the same school.

Not sure what's out there for the areas you're interested in though, I am on the Edinburgh one - hope someone comes along who does know.