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PDA - mainstream?

3 replies

Fightingagain · 25/08/2012 20:20

Ds has a long history of difficulties with schools e.g exclusions, lack of provision,us being labelled bad parents etc. Have finally received a dx of ASD/PDA and sm is being increased to full time hours (he has been on a part-time timetable only for most of the last school year and current school said he couldn't go back full-time without extra hours). We now need to choose a high school and as he is high-functioning have been advised that mainstream would be best. I am aware that in the county very few people have come across PDA so will expect difficulty wherever he goes but do not want him at risk of permanent exclusion again. Does anyone have experience of mainstream high schools managing a child with PDA? I am also looking at schools with Autism bases - would this be better do you think? Any advice appreciated.

OP posts:
cornybootseeker · 25/08/2012 22:32

If you look at asd bases check that they cater for and understand/ have training in PDA. The strategies for dealing with asd/PDA can be very different. Ask what relevant training they have and whether they have had success with PDA pupils recently.
You could also be looking at independent asd schools and asking the same questions.

There is a PDA forum - have you seen it?

Fightingagain · 25/08/2012 22:39

Thanks corny. Yes, I am a member of the forum which has been useful Smile.
I have asked the LA if they are aware of any schools experienced with PDA but doubt there are any. The only one's I've seen so far are residential independents costing a fortune!

OP posts:
cornybootseeker · 25/08/2012 22:50

You need a school that are able to be and are also willing to be flexible around your ds.
Maybe you could ask on the PDA forum for other parents from your LEA to give advice about schools?

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