Wanting more freedom than is safe

6 replies

Spendonsend · 02/04/2023 16:00

DS has ASD. He goes to a special school where all the young people are taught 1:1 and then come together for group communication therapy.

He is getting very distressed at home because he perceives other 13 year olds as having a lot more freedom than him. They walk to school alone, meet in groups without adults etc. He wouldnt be safe doing this and doesnt really have friends as such anyway.

Anyone got any tips how to make him feel better about always having an adult for safety and not going off on adventures with the gang.

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FloatingBean · 02/04/2023 17:29

Would it help DS if he could work towards whatever independence is appropriate for his needs? Obviously the type and extent will depend on DS’s needs, but I mean within the scope of his needs.

Does he receive OT? If DS is in Y9 and you have already had the AR did it look at PfA? You could look at your LA’s travel training offer too.

Does DS receive social care support? If not, it’s worth requesting an assessment as it might help if it’s not you providing the support and supervision.

Original poster

Spendonsend · 02/04/2023 17:37

Thank you. He is in year 8.

it might help if we could plan some little steps to more independend things. Or at least make him feel understood. I will try that.

He gets lots of OT which is really good.

we are in a wait list for travel training.

He doesnt get social care support as when they looked at him ages ago we were getting different support but it might be an idea to ask for reassessment?

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FloatingBean · 02/04/2023 17:47

The OT should help towards working towards independence in some form.

Next year the AR should look at PfA which can also look at working towards independence. This is a helpful starting point for PfA. As is this checklist from educational equality.

I think it would be a good idea to ask for a social care assessment.

Original poster

Spendonsend · 02/04/2023 17:53

Thank you. The PfA resouce looks really useful

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Phineyj · 02/04/2023 19:42

If funds allow, we've found staying at holiday resorts (like Parkdean, although the one we like is independent) is a good way to encourage independence safely. DC can walk to the campsite shop etc.

Original poster

Spendonsend · 03/04/2023 07:38

Phineyj · 02/04/2023 19:42

If funds allow, we've found staying at holiday resorts (like Parkdean, although the one we like is independent) is a good way to encourage independence safely. DC can walk to the campsite shop etc.

Thats a good idea. We always camp as the tent is familiar and the food is the same, but sites are very safe to walk around.

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Flip