High Functioning Autism in 6th form

[Shiney62]

My son started 6th form in September. He was super-keen to start with but he chose some quite heavy A' level subjects and is struggling to keep up. He's not coping very well with managing his time, organising work or prioritising, all the requirements for independent study. He isn't completing work and often refuses to go in, presumably when the work is due. He is also very bad at asking for help.
We got his diagnosis just over a year ago at age 15. I've told the school what I think he needs i.e. someone who will check in with him a couple of times a week to identify difficulties and keep him on track but he still hasn't had any contact with the SENDCo.
Because of his poor attendance and lack of work they are now talking about asking him to leave (put nicely) and I've been asked to go to a meeting on Wednesday morning.
Any words of advice would be gratefully received.

I would ask them to ensure the SENCo is going to attend the meeting (do this in writing - an e-mail - in advance) so they can talk through the adjustments the school are making for him.
I presume you have taken in the diagnosis letter and ensure his diagnosis is on his records before he started ?
If you feel you need support, do a search for SENDIASS and the name of your local authority. Every authority should have one (SEND Independent Advice and Support Service) and they will advise you.

However, he also need to understand that school can only help him if he will accept the help and I now from personal experience that is easier said than done.

I would also talk to him, in advance of the meeting about what he want - what he wants to do long term, or if he wants to go to university, and what it is he is finding difficult and what he thinks might help him. Even if he doesn't give you all the answers in advance, it might set him thinking, so he has an idea when they ask him in the meeting.

It might also be worth considering looking into making an application for a EHCP if you haven’t already done so. If the school are not putting in the support at the very least a request should lead to more help. The fact that he has a diagnosis means that he meets the first part of the test for a EHCP Needs Assessment and the fact that he may need support meets the second. IPSEA, Special Needs Jungle and SOSSEN all have a lot of information. To get the best chance of securing a ECHP evidence is key in my limited experience. Good luck.