Hi. My DS will be 4 in January and is due to start school in September 2015. He has a diagnosis of ASD and is currently at a main stream nursery with some 1:1 support. He seems to be getting on fine there, he enjoys going and is popular with the staff. He does need them to make some adjustments for him as he refuses to sit for register, sit at the table for lunch/snack or wear any protective clothing. He can say a few words but is largely unable to communicate verbally, he is still in nappies.
My question is we are about to start applying for an EHC plan and need to specify which school he will attend. I can't seem to get a straight answer from any health professionals about whether he should start off at a mainstream school or a special school. They just say look at all schools and keep your options open, do what you think is best. They also refuse to say at what level his autism is and just say it is too early to tell.
I was intending sending him to the local, mainstream school (good school, much more convenient location than any special school) but am confused as to what would be best for him. I have a friend who keeps hinting that I should be thinking about a special school for him and it is making me question my decision.
Can anybody offer any advice?