DS2 hates noises of other children in specialist unit

[sphil]

Ds2 (9, severe ASD) has been in m/s with 1:1 support since Year 1. His school have Specialist Provision on site ( one infant and one junior class) and he goes in and out with his 1:1 as appropriate. Next year, however, he will be going into Specialist Provision full time, for many reasons. The problem is, he hates the noises made by some of the children there. There are two or three boys who shout, scream and roar a lot, are sometimes physically aggressive and often have meltdowns. Despite the fact that DS2 makes his fair share of noise he becomes very agitated and upset when this happens - I work p/t at school so have witnessed this on occasions. Up to now his 1:1 has just taken him out when this happens - but next year he wont have 1:1 and will be in with the others full time.

What to do? Try to desensitise him to noise in some way? Talk to the unit staff? ( who already see me as fussy mother extraordinaire).

Look elsewhere.

That specailist placement simply does not sound suitable for him at all.

It would be absolute torture for a child with ASD to have to try to tolerate noise like that. In fact it would be cruel to expect him to.

No, I don't want to do that. The school is excellent in many ways, its the only primary specialist provision for miles and he's been there a long time and loves it ( apart from when he's with these children). He has good relationshios with some of the mainstream children and some of those in the unit, and will be moving on to the secondary special school next door ( where the noise wont be an issue as they have lots more space and separate out the classes more.). At the same time you are right, its torture for him for those times when he's with them. I think I must talk to the school.

I was thinking of something like that Pipinjo. Have been to see the SENCO this morning and she's not sure yet whether the boys concerned will be in the class next year. She was very sympathetic and agreed that something would have to be worked out. I stressed how much it would affect his learning ( that always makes them sit up and listen!) His noise sensitivity comes and goes and is much better than it was. He coped fine with the Olympic torch procession - cheering, sirens, hooters etc. But people being noisily upset or angry he just can't cope with at all - and tbh I understand that and to a certain extent think its both natural and to be encouraged - I'd be more worried in some ways if he was completely oblivious!

I think this is fear too - he is very wary of unpredictable behaviour.