Mainstream School versus Special Schools

[sleepwalker]

Hi my son has ASD and i would love to hear from anyone who could give me some advice on which would be best for a secondary school
many thanks A

I've no real experience of ASD so I hope others will jump in with some helpful advice here.

However I don't think it's a case of one type of school being better than another as it so very much depends on your son's needs and finding the best of what is available to you...... (and then securing the place of course!) For us we're delighted with our choice of special school as it was just so right for DD.

Perhaps you could tell us a little more about your DS and the choices you face?

Aslo what options are there? Depending on where your son is on the spectrum there may be limited choice. Unless your son is very socially able I would recommend a decent special school- if there is one- over any mainstream. If there isn't one then I'd look for secondaries with attached units/some sort of specialist provision.

Hi Sleepwalker

I think it really is down to the individual.
JimJams's son has hugely benefited from going to a more specailised school for example and everyone seems a lot happier for it. But for us pour local catholic mainstream school was the right choice. Oh hopefully will be, certainly seems good and it helps that they are the leader for special needs on the area.

At the end of the day only you will know if you feel your son will get on well and benefit from mainstream, at the moment, and if the local schools have other kids with ASD and have experience of ASD and have a good SENCO then that will all help.