DS is 7 and in year 3. He has been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and aspergers. He has been on fluoxitine for nearly 2 years - it has changed things dramatically for the better - we tried coming off it about a year ago with disatrous effects so he's on it for the time being.
We live in a big (ish) city in NZ. He goes to a large primary and has 30 + kids in his class. He's never been considered severe enough to warrant a teacher aide, previously he's had an IEP but doesn't have one this year.
Problems at school have come and gone and usually relate to friendships but mostly behaviour in class. His teacher last year had some good positive reinforcement strategies in place. This year he seems to be sent to time-out instead - every day. I really get the impression they think his behaviour is deliberate and naughty. I think alot of it is due to anxiety and boredom.
Over the hill from us only 7 mins away is a rural school with only 22 pupils in the whole school. They have two teachers and usually a student teacher also. It covers up to year 8. They all work together but also seperate the seniors from the juniors at other times. I think there would be way less anxiety for DS at this school and also he would get the chance to work at his own level and not have the need to constantly conform.
On the downside. He is making some friends at his school and there are more children to choose from to learn to socialise with. Also the transition from a large primary to a large high school would not be so great.
WWYD?
Any thoughts greatly appreciated! If I don't reply right away it is only due to time difference.