Hi all,
Just a bit of background. Dd is 9, has ASD (very high anxiety, huge sensory struggles, Selective Mutism). She is in mainstream primary, in a very small nurture group. She can’t cope in the classroom. We have EHCP and requesting Specialist School Placement, particularly for when the time comes to start Secondary.
However, we are also considering withdrawing her and either unschooling for a while/ or home ed. Things have always been a challenge, getting her into school and last term was just awful. She dropped to just over 50percent attendance and went onto a reduced/part time timetable for the final few weeks - which she is returning on, next week. Sometimes, she can’t event get out of the car for an hour, when we finally arrive at school, even with support from her teacher or t/as. We all become so exhausted and stressed.
She is high functioning - and the local specialist schools seem to provide for more severe disabilities and learning delays. There are one or two which may suit our DDs needs, but are extremely hard to get into (we would push for them and fight however). I feel she needs a very small group though and when around difficult behaviours of other children, she finds it hard to cope and also copies. She is a typical girl who masks at school although clearly finds it hard as often can’t talk or communicate any need. She is a huge mimic, and even often sounds like or behaves like others she’s around.
I am also concerned though, that as she is becoming very reclusive due to overwhelming sensory anxieties out and about, removing her from school may exacerbate things.
We are considering it though and are very interested in others experiences please and reasons for making the leap! Thank you!
I just don’t know what to do for the best.