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Original poster

Anyone got a DC with severe learning difficulties?

14 replies

dropdeaddivalover · 08/04/2013 16:14

I have DD with severe learning difficulties and microcephaly and she will be going to a special school as this is best place for her.

Was wondering if there was anyone with DC in similar position or on this road too?

OP posts:
eggandcress · 08/04/2013 17:15

Hi

My ds has severe learning difficulties (amongst other things). He goes to a special school which is for children with severe learning difficulties. We are very pleased with it. We cherry picked the school and moved to this area so that he could go to it.

Is your dd starting in September?

Strongecoffeeismydrug · 08/04/2013 17:18

I have an 8 year old DS who is DX with autism and severe learning difficulties.he goes to a special school where 99 percent of the kids also have the same 2 DX .
He's hard work but blooming gorgeous at the same time :)

proudmum74 · 08/04/2013 17:54

Hi, I have a 3 year old DD with Down Syndrome & moderate deafness, her needs are classified as complex, long term & severe.

She's too young for school, so currently in mainstream nursery with 1-1 care, but has a statement for her to attend a special school next year.

Original poster
dropdeaddivalover · 08/04/2013 19:37

Hi

Yes eggandcress DD is starting special school this September and I feel really conflicted by it. Some days I think I cant wait as she cries and hit/punches me all day and some days she is only like this part of the day and I might get smiles and cuddles.

I feel sad thinking about it as she will only be 4 when she starts but she is only managing 2 hours at mainstream nursery. So she needs socialising as much as everything else.

She has epilepsy as well.

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eggandcress · 08/04/2013 20:00

Will she be picked up by bus?

I found at first this extended the day a bit too much and I used to pick him up from school some days just so he could have more home/free time.
My ds is uber cuddly too(most of the time). He is massive now(age 13!) and a bit unaware of his squeezy cuddling strength.
It makes you appreciate them more and have more tenacity to look after them when they are gone for most of the day!

CwtchesAndCuddles · 09/04/2013 08:49

DD has severe learning difficulties and asd, he started at a special school 18 months ago. He is 5 1/2 now and school has been fantastic for him. He's never going to be on a level playing feild with his NT peers but the school try to ensure they maximise the potential of every child and he has made far more progress already than we anticipated!

He can stay there until he is 19 unless his needs change.

We are very lucky because the school serves a large area but is in our village - I take ds myself and have built up a good relationship with staff. Parents can be very isolated and I really recommend becoming involved in the school if you are able. PTA, Parent Governor etc.

Ds school has a parent support group that meet regularly at the school during the day and also has things like basic signing classes for parents.

The head has an open door policy and is on firstname terms with everyone

It is very hard to think of them starting school but I'm sure you will find she loves it!

bigbluebus · 09/04/2013 10:23

Hi dropdead

My DD has severe learning disability/microcephaly/epilepsy, as well as lots of other things as part of a chromosome disorder.

She started at a SN nursery at 2.5 and then went to the school which nursery is attached to. It is 14 miles away, so has always travelled by taxi/bus. She is 18 now and has another year and a bit there ( she will only be a few months off her 20th birthday when she leaves!)

The fact that DD goes on transport means that you can feel very isolated from other parents and staff. As cwtches says, it is good to get involved in things so that you can build up a good relationship with the school and other parents of SN children - who will have a wealth of local knowledge about services etc. I did some volunteering at the school for a number of years (when I had the time).

There are obviously mixed feelings about having to send your DC to a SN school (wasn't any other option for DD), but if your DD is struggling at MS nursery it is probably the right choice - for now at least.

Original poster
dropdeaddivalover · 09/04/2013 13:16

Hi thanks everyone for responding

bigbluebus did u find your DD gets tired a lot? I don't intend to drip feed but she also suffers with hypermobility and get tired at MS nursery.

I think we have made right choice re school, just don't think she would cope at MS school (even though SIL who works with autistic child said she thought she would with the right support)

Luckily it is not an issue as that is where she is going.

A part of me feels that I am letting her down by sending her to school at 4 and not at 5 but have been told she would go into year 1 at 5 and not reception.

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Original poster
dropdeaddivalover · 09/04/2013 13:17

I mean DD when referring to 'she' :)

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SallyBear · 09/04/2013 14:33

My youngest has non verbal ASD, is deaf and is in SS. It is the most wonderful place, and the difference in him since he started is immense. I love the school, and looking back I'm glad that we did two terms in MS with 1:1 support. It highlighted how much he couldn't cope in a MS setting.

I take DS4 into school myself, and bar about five other mums the rest of the kids are on school transport. We have a monthly coffee morning with the parents, where we discuss a wide range of SN issues. The school also do loads of fundraising activities, which they encourage us all to get involved with.

I'm so glad we put him into this particular SS, there are a few in our town but the one my DS goes to has a family feel about it.

123abby · 09/04/2013 15:08

Hi,

My son has severe learning difficulties, asd, spd and hypermobility. He is starting a special school for severe and profound disabilities in September. My son gets tired a lot, he has a younger brother who is more active and doesn't need a nap, whereas my oldest son spends a lot of time in bed relaxing, he still has a nap everyday and uses a wheelchair for outside use.

bigbluebus · 09/04/2013 15:31

Yes dropdead DD did get tired and still does. But at SN school they make allowances for that. She was often fast asleep on the transport on the way home (as are many of the children that travel on her bus now).
Starting at 4 just gives your DD a head start. I know it seems hard, but it will give you a break and give her the advantage of being able socialise in a setting that can deal appropriately with her behaviour.

And the placement doesn't have to be set in stone. If at some point in future you or they think she could cope in MS then she still has the option to change (although it may be more of a fight if it is just you that decides!).But I know of children that have moved to MS from DDs school and I also know of children who have split placements ie some days at SN school and some days at MS with 1:1 support.

lougle · 09/04/2013 15:56

DD1 is classed as having 'moderate LD' but the rest of her profile is similar to your DD. Special School has done wonders for her.

Original poster
dropdeaddivalover · 10/04/2013 21:16

Thanks again everyone and bigbluebus

DD has been offered transport as she has epilepsy as well and they have offered due to this.
TBH i'm glad as the school has limited parking and is not in an easy to access area if busy plus will need to take her special needs pushchair for during the day.

I know what u mean about it giving me a break. I feel like I really really need one somedays! I guess I just feel sad that she is going and a little lost as I am no1 when it comes to looking after her and especially her medical needs. But she needs to go...

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