Getting autistic son to secondary school

[Thriwit]

DS is 11 and autistic. He starts secondary school this year. We live about 1.5 miles away and the plan has always been for him to walk to & from school by himself. However, despite us practising and practising, I just don’t think he’s safe to walk by himself. He pays so little attention to his surroundings, he goes the wrong way and frequently just walks out onto the road at junctions.

I work full-time so really can’t drop him off and pick him up. I wish I could, but I just can’t drop or change hours.

Has anyone got any ideas on either how to more effectively teach him some road sense, or an alternate way to get him to school? I’m starting to think I will have to somehow pay for taxis, which I imagine would be rather costly as the nearest ones are in the next town.

Have you asked the LA about transport? Where the pupil cannot reasonably be expected to walk due to their SEN the statutory walking distance doesn’t apply.

Also, look at your LA’s independent travel training offer. In some areas LA’s only offer it to older pupils, but in others they offer it ready for transition to secondary.

I had a look at the documents for our LA travel policies, but it seems that because he can walk it with me alongside him, they won’t provide any transport. They reiterate that it’s a parent’s responsibility to get their child to school. In addition, it talks about an EHCP, and DS doesn’t have one of those.

Many LA’s travel policies aren’t lawful, so don’t rely on those. An EHCP isn’t necessary, separate legislation covers transport.

A secondary aged child would normally be reasonably expected to be able to walk to school alone, as DS can’t do that due to his disability refusing transport because he can walk with you is unacceptable as you shouldn’t reasonably be expected you to walk with him especially as you work. If you have been refused transport contact SENTAS for help with an appeal. SENTAS specialise in helping with transport appeals.

You need to apply to your council for transport today. Your council should have an SEN transport team. Contact them and ask for the form. As LargeLegoHaul says, many councils have illegal transport polices so ignore what they try and tell you.

Do you have any evidence from any professional about his difficulties? It might be worth contacting your Ds's GP to see if they would be prepared to put something in writing.
You can also submit your own evidence (ie how he is when you witness his behaviour outside.)

Again, as LargeLegoHaul says, contact SENTAS. They are amazing. I was initially refused transport and they helped me overturn it.

One of the difficulties you're going to have is timing. I'm afraid to say this isn't likely to be resolved by September. If you're turned down there are several rounds of appeals which can take months.

I know you say you work. Many secondaries operate a breakfast club where DC can get to school early. It might be worth calling the school to see what time they open - to see if you could take him early? Again, some schools allow DC to stay on site in the library or in clubs after school if that would help you out? At least initially. It might help him if he leaves at a less busy time anyway.

There is some time before September so there is still two months to keep at it. Having said that though, there's no way my DS (12, ASD) would be able to get to school under his own steam!

As a slight aside, have you met with the Senco at your DS's new school? Is your DS having additional transition visits etc?