Scottish Mums-ASD question re schooling

[ghoulsforgodot]

Evening all, my son is 4 and due to start school next year. Just wanted to know if your child was placed into ASD unit, specific school for learning disabilties or mainstream.
Thanks!

I'm probably a bit unusual in that ds goes to autism specific LEA school in Scotland

Thanks for that.
Why do you reckon its unusual? What's the norm?

Hi. Im in Ayrshire, and here dc on the Spectrum generally are placed in mainstream schools with "support" unless the condition is extreme.
There is primary and secondary schools with ASD Units attached in mainstream, but, most dc are placed straight into mainstream until the school fails them/has had enough, or the parents fight the LEA tooth and nail to get whats best for their dc.
Me-cynical? Noooooo. HTH.

I'm not really sure why the LEA school is ASD specific though suspect may be that way way back it was not an LEA establishment but they took it over (?). Places in Moderate Learning Difficulty and Complex Learning Difficulty Schools seem to be norm elsewhere as well as ASD Units attached to Mainstream - but as BP says, these are usually intended to cater for children coming out of mainstream, and often with the expectation (whether realistic or not) that they will return to mainstream. I think in overall terms, the (perceived) level of language and learning difficulty will be the most important factor for the LEA when looking to place your ds.

thanks for that. Still have no clue what they are going to suggest. I imagine it will be the cheapest possible option. What is the cheapest option?

Cheap is good in their book ! but also will depend on availability in the various schools in your area - some areas have fewer/more special schools and units than others IYKWIM

Cheapest is the school in your local area which would require least adaptation/support. They will assume sending to mainstream (cos it's all about 'inclusion') unless very specific support needs.

Have you looked into your entitlement under Scottish legislation? I think there's a service called 'Enquire' which provides all info and support for parents of kids who have additional support needs - try googling some of that with Scotland and see if that helps. If you are already in the 'system' the council should already be talking to you about school choices, I'd have thought v

Good luck!