ASD & Private School

[Lolly2803]

Hi! I have a 4yo son with ASD. He is summer born and I have kept him back from reception this year and plan to send him to reception in 2022. While academically he is not behind I felt emotionally he was so wanted to give him another year at pre school. He is very verbal, very sociable, loves learning and modelling from peers. He struggles a little socially but more from a boundary perspective. He doesn’t really have any sensory issues other than with food.
He goes to a mainstream pre school but I pay for private support with an ABA tutor. He is much better in a class with smaller numbers so I am worried about him thriving in a class of 30 so am considering private school for the smaller class numbers. Does anyone have experience of private schools and ASD? Any help or advice would be great. I’m in Surrey xx

All these things are possible but not usual. but people are right it very much depends on the school and the needs of your son. I live in Surrey and have 3 children all at different schools so feel free to message me!

Thanks everyone. We were looking at Downsend, I have another son who is NT and I’d like them to go to the same school so I’m trying to find one that would be best for them both.

All these things are possible but not usual.

That is what LAs and some schools would like parents to believe. It is a myth perpetuated by LAs and some schools, sometimes intentionally, sometimes through ignorance. The law says otherwise. Parents don’t have to accept unlawful behaviour.

Honestly, it depends on the school. All private schools are so different from one another. It also depends on the individual teachers your child has. My ASD son is in Reception at a private school and is currently thriving, but I am aware it could easily go the other way! We also have a pay a fortune for extra support. SALT sessions are almost £50 weekly for instance!