To ask about your DC with ASD in secondary school

[grecian100]

Dd 12 just started secondary school. She was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD aged 10. She has just started a selective secondary school and is really struggling. She is awaiting a statement (we are about 12weeks in) so no assistant but thankfully gets 2 x 3 hour assisted classes per week.

It seems her concentration is terrible, she cannot write and listen at the same time so keeps missing instructions. She says some of the teachers don't stop talking so again it is hard for her to concentrate. She obviously passed the admissions test (computerized CAT) but seems to be behind everyone else. It is early days yet, she is very happy there (much to the surprise of everyone) but I'm wondering how patient the school will be until her statement comes through? Before anyone says to change schools there isn't actually another one with spaces.

Any experience with a child with ASD who has struggled academically?

you may wish to have this moved to another section such as education, secondary education or sen. although AIBU will get you lots of traffic it may not get you the help you need from those with the most experience.

Will report it now, was thinking that AIBU has more traffic than SEN/education.

Not being able to write and listen at the same time is really common in ASD folk of any age. The school is obliged to make 'reasonable adjustment'. A reasonable adjustment in this case might be to ask if the teachers would be able to give a print out of the notes before the lesson, so that your child can then concentrate on listening when the teacher is speaking.

Thanks crick, this is exactly the sort of advice I am looking for. I don't know what is considered "reasonable" re adjustments so good to know that that is considered to be.

Hi folks,

We're just moving this over to SN education for the OP.

I would ask for teachers for the topics covered in the upcoming term. All lesson plans for the areas of topics covered and any handouts - before the class.

That way your DD can prep for the lesson.

Also, you could record the lesson and then take notes from the recordings.

This sounds like a lot of prep for your DD but would get easier once DD is in the swing.

These are not onerous adjustments.

Is the school private then? That she had to do an exam to get in? If it is having an EHCP might not help, independents (unless named on EHCP) can be tricky as they may well turn round and say we can't meet the needs. It will be down to the LA to make sure the needs are met rather than the school anyway, which a lot of parents don't realise - I didn't until we learnt the hard way

Not a private/independent. Selective grammar school. Ida I was hoping that work could be photocopied rather than her copying it up as her concentration is really poor. I need to speak to the SENco again, her IEP was supposed to be ready for the beginning of term and a copy given to me, but so far no sign.

Regardless of the IEP these accommodations/adjustments are reasonable. Staff have to plan lessons - curriculum timetabled. All the info is there, it just takes someone time to put it together for your DD.

I take it they knew about your DDs (potential) problems before she joined - this shouldn't be a surprise for them. Even if they didn't - there will have been other kids with SpLDs etc...

Email SENCO for report (paper trail) but it might not be their fault the report isn't ready. I've found learning support staff have their hands tied by school/LA.