Wobbles during transition time

[Hexefrau]

Hi,
My 16 year old son has moderate to severe learning difficulties and autism. He has an established routine in the morning and is usually ok with getting into the taxi. The last couple of days he has had wobbles throwing things and refusing to go and this morning I took him in myself after he calmed down. Any advice on how to make it easier and/or try and get any indication if there is something specific that worries him? Also, school seems like they do no seem to be keen for us to bring him in as he is usually in a heightened state. Is this something any of you have experienced and if yes, did it pay off to discuss it with the school or did it make things worse?

Is DS 16 and moving setting in September? Or even just moving area/class within the same school? Could it be anxiety?

I would speak to the school and transport to see if anything has happened recently.

If you suggested different causes would DS be able to communicate if any were true? Or is he likely to agree even if that isn’t the cause? Does DS understand different emotions e.g. sad, angry, anxious, scared? If so, finding out his emotions may help you narrow down the why.

Would the PA who travels in the taxi be any help? Has that changed?
Does sound like somethings changed, taxi colour make / model of car?

what has made it easier for us is oecs showing the colour and the exact bus for transport along with the school pecs.

speak to school too, I generally have found that towards summer holidays everyone winds down and starts taking things off walls etc and this upsets my ds, it can be something as minor as changes they’re making to the inside of classrooms that your ds is in. Definitely speak to school and if your son is in a heightened state if you bring him in, they will calm him, what’s their suggestion if that’s the only way you can get him into school?!

Hi, thank you very much both for your suggestions. The school rang me later to report he has been crying and calling for me. I went to pick him up. It is distressing to hear he was in distress and yes, brumtotherescue, he struggles with identifying his feelings and aggression seems to be his go to when he is out of sorts. Crying is very unusual.
I could just say stay at home if there is an outburst but I am worried about him getting into a habit and then life would get to unpredictable even for us.
we have started to talk about next September and sixth form options and this may cause anxiety.
he does not have an escort as the council is not prepared to fund it and now we have a fight on our hands to keep even the taxi (with parental contribution!). That’s another story.
back to the plot!
i read a book with him about feeling sad and got a little bit more info. He was sad about being told some feelings are private (?!). Definitely going to try and find out what that is all about.

DS’s comment, along with crying being unusual for him, does suggest something specific has triggered his distress. I hope the school is open about getting to the bottom of that.

I would challenge the lack of escort. Transport must be non-stressful. SENTAS can help if you need to appeal.