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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Original poster

P.e and autism

13 replies

Ruha113 · 18/08/2023 12:50

My son is awaiting diagnosis for autism but he has classic signs ... in holidays he is much better as I know his triggers but at school it's something else although they provide a lot of support he struggles his main problem is p.e he screams on those days be terrible to get him in
The changing rooms are the problem small place to get changed.. crowded the smells time constraints to get changed as at home I have to support him ... not sure what to do the school say there's no other place he can go.. not allowed to go in changed already any suggestions

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OvertakenByLego · 18/08/2023 14:01

Is DS primary or secondary? Does he have an EHCP?

Go back to the school. If there isn’t anywhere else to change (no office, disabled changing/toilet, medical room?) then going in PE kit is a reasonable adjustment. If DS needs support changing, the school should support that too (although depending on DS’s age and opinion, he may not want help in front of everyone else, so would need a solution to the where to get changed too).

Has DS has an OT assessment?

SusiePevensie · 18/08/2023 15:58

I'd push back hard on the 'not allowed to go in already in PE kit'. Why not? As PP said it's a perfectly reasonable adjustment.

usernamebore · 18/08/2023 16:42

Agreed. PE is really tough for our autistic son too. I am aware of quite a few kids at some schools who can miss it entirely and do work in the library instead. Plenty of others who can come in in kit, or are allowed to change somewhere else like a toilet cubical. The school has to make "reasonable adjustments"

Original poster
Ruha113 · 18/08/2023 17:09

They started the ehcp plan just before they broke up at home he is OK but school days after school very angry as he had to deal with it all day I have good communication with them and have explanied this he got angry one night I told them and they reported it to social they spoke to me told me I was doing an amazing job as I provide so much supoort at home they told they school to do the plan ... he is in middle school they said the room where the others get changed is too full so he can't go there he will have reviews every few weeks
...along with other problem of lunch he hates the hall too noisy too busy and hates the smell the solution ...so he can sit at the table with the reach up teacher on it which dont help as its the lunch hall !!

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Original poster
Ruha113 · 18/08/2023 17:10

He also did once go In p e kit and was made to get changed before first lesson

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OvertakenByLego · 18/08/2023 18:59

The problems sound wider reaching than PE. If DS can’t eat lunch in the hall the school need to provide somewhere quieter. Who have you spoken to at the school? Whoever it is, step up to the next level.

SallyArt · 21/08/2023 17:34

This is actually sad to hear. The school has a legal duty of care to ensure reasonable adjustments are made to ensure that no one is excluded. I would seek legal advise. The equality act and the sen code of practice are in place to protect our children.

Original poster
Ruha113 · 22/08/2023 08:59

I think the problem is he isn't diagnosed yet so we are kind of inbtweeen I don't know what the rules are regarding this as he officially hasn't been told he has got it in my mind he has an example last night he couldn't sleep so came in my bed but couldn't sleep as the covers were hurting his skin as they wasn't the very soft fluffy ones

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SallyArt · 22/08/2023 13:02

This is an upsetting and frustrating situation. However, a child does not need to be diagnosed to receive additional support from the school. Inclusion is about removing and reducing barriers to learning for ALL students regardless of their needs, abilities or background. If they are excluding your child, they are breaking the law. I would seek legal advice. Also, I would question, is this the kind of environment that I want my child to be in? I would look into other schools, if possible, as their mental well being is just as important, if not more. I wish you all the best. Oh check the schools inclusion policy and SEND policy.

OvertakenByLego · 22/08/2023 15:10

Support is based on needs, not diagnosis. The school must still make their best endeavours to meet a pupil’s SEN and make reasonable adjustments even if they don’t have a diagnosis.

Original poster
Ruha113 · 22/08/2023 16:09

Good news I contacted local 0- 19 team and they told me I can refer for a ehcp plan myself and get something in place the problem is when your new to all this no one tells you but this thread has helped me so much thanks guys

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OvertakenByLego · 22/08/2023 16:23

You can request an EHCNA yourself. IPSEA has a model letter you can use. However, I thought you said the school had started the process? And, you don’t need an EHCP for the school to provide support and adjustments.

Original poster
Ruha113 · 22/08/2023 19:28

The school have started a community support and when I asked the 0-19 team she acid she has no idea what that is... so glad I am questioning things now and getting further seems unless you know you don't know of that makes sense they also booked me on some courses dealing with a child with autism

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