ASD examples of secondary school “reasonable adjustments”

[usernamebore]

Hi

DS, 12, struggled in year 7 at his large independent secondary. Fine with academics, just found the size and bustle and changes in routine etc overwhelming. He was assessed and just diagnosed with ASD.

we are thinking about September and what to ask the school to put in place for supports and adjustments to try and help. I thought it would be helpful for us and other parents to see what things people have done that helped for their kids.

can any of you give examples of things you and the school have done which have helped your autistic kids to cope with secondary school? The school may refuse to do them, but it would be helpful to get some ideas!

thank you!

Some examples of what may help:
Time out card.
Movement breaks.
Allowing the use of ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones.
Moving between lessons 5 mins early or late.
Arriving/leaving 5/10 mins early/late.
Prior notification of changes (where possible).
Thinking about placement within the classroom - e.g. front/back, to one side, near the door/window.
Mentor/key worker.

Not me, but other children I knew:

1. being able to go to the SN centre at lunchtime
2. being able to go to organised activities like chess club or whatever they are interested in at lunchtime

Thanks both, that is really helpful. Still waiting to hear back from the school, as it is the holidays and we only go the diagnosis a few weeks ago, so have no idea what September is going to bring. I guess we try our best to make it work, and if it doesn’t, look to move somewhere else