Withdrawing from school swimming lessons.

[sunights]

DS9 is in year 5 and will have school swimming lessons from Nov to Jan.

He last had this in year 3 at the same time of year, and it made him extremely tired, impacted his capacity for learning and he had a lot of time off that year for colds and sore throats.

Would I be unreasonable to refuse consent for him to have lessons this year? DH thinks it will be good for DS9 to learn swimming, but loves swimming himself doesn't really understand the sensory overload that comes with neurodivergence.

For context DS9 loves playing with water but rarely bathes or showers as he finds it exhausting. He is excellent at masking and works hard to fit in with what is asked of him in the school day, then pretty much collapses on the way home. He is behind with his learning but slowly progressing. On pathway for diagnosis- school suspect Autism, I see Au-DHD.

Personally, I would be looking at trying reasonable adjustments so DS could swim rather than removing him completely.

Has DS had his tiredness and susceptibility to illness investigated? Has he had an OT assessment? Does he have an EHCP?

@EndlessLight thanks for these suggestions. He had none of the above, but I will explore reasonable adjustments.

Not all ICBs comission sensory OT on the NHS, but if your area does, it is worth requesting a referral.

If DS is so fatigued, you should speak to the GP about it and also DS being so susceptible to illness that you feel you need to avoid activities.

You should also consider requesting an EHCNA.