Forced to learn German - ASD

[moonraker1104]

Looking for advice/opinions as my Ds in Year 8 mainstream has ASD (not Aspergers) with significant language difficulties. His Year 7 report shows expected Level 3a by end of Year 8, but they still insist he has to learn German, blaming the government (although they are an Academy. I think he would be nuch better off getting extra tuition in English instead. Apparently a foreigh language can help some with ASD but I am convinced it just helps him feel inadequate. Any thoughts/advice/ammunition?

Does your child have a statement? My son has one to one instead of French as it was decided at last review a foreign language would be futile with basic English still an issue.

Yes, he does have a statement. He does get one to one instead of French, as the other kids do 2 MFLs. They say the government requires all children to do at least one. But I and OH think like you that it's futile getting German spellings when he can't do basic English ones

Well the school has now agreed that German was having a negative effect so have allowed him to drop it. It may help a lot of children but there are always going to be exceptions.

Coolas - really? How does learning a new language help? I am not doubting your evidence but taking my son as an example, all it did was cause him distress. Maybe they mean with a nt child? My son is nine and has no idea of English tenses and frequently muddles verbs, has serious issues with semantics so adding a whole new set of vocabulary a distressing waste of time.

Well DS1 has ASD and loves learning other languages - he's a word collector, though and has a good memory.

Is this research on children with ASD coolas? Only my DS and another boy with AS were allowed to drop French and have social skills sessions instead.
He just couldn't comprehend it at all.

Really interesting coolas! Thanks for that x