ASD 3yr old - nursery support

[yazzy85]

My 3 year old is being assessed for ASD, we are quite confident he is on the spectrum as are the doctors, just going through the lengthy diagnosis process. Speech is very limited, he does not communicate verbally. His private nursery applied for one to one support and they have hired a young student who just qualified and was doing a placement at their other setting. Is it fair to hire a student for a special needs child? She has no experience with autism or my child's needs. I feel so frustrated and don't know what to do

It's a hard one. An enthusiastic student who knows nothing could well be streets ahead of an experienced TA with a little bit of knowledge about ASD that doesn't relate to your chikd.

ah thanks that does make me feel a bit better. I just wish they took it more seriously and interviewed people properly rather than hiring their own student..

I think it is reasonable for you to ask, in writing, what training the support person will be given and when, and then what specifically they will be doing with your child to help them learn what they need to to be prepared for school.

Thanks Starlight, I will speak with the manager on monday