Autistic son and Creative subjects

[Ohmegerd]

DS is 14 and bright, capable and diagnosed autistic. He hates most school subjects even though his strong points are numbers and problem solving. He is in set 1 for mathsand science. He does attend school although attendance isn't great and gets burnt out easily so I have gone low demand and don't ask alot of him at home regarding revision and he does the bare minimum homework required. Tbh considering we were thinking of deregistering him just last year due to him unable to cope I feel he's done amazing.

Anyway, he absolutely does not enjoy drama, music and art. Which is a real shame as they were the fun subjects when I was at school and loved Art in particular. I am reviving regular complaints on the school App about how little effort he is putting in these lessons and how he daydreams throughout and us easily distracted, too chatty etc. He doesn't want to take any of those 3 as gcses and I'm worried but don't want to out too much pressure on him.or set him up for failure. We haven't discussed selecting gcses yet with school as I think the options are available later in the term or next term.

Anyone else's autistic child have zero interest in creative subjects? He loves gaming and building alsorts on there! DH is of the opinion aslong as DS leaves school with his MH in good shape and some sort or qualifications he's happy and I do agree. I just don't want him having any regrets later about not trying hard enough. Maybe it's an autistic thing where acting doesn't come naturally as he does take everything quite literally and black and white?

I think it's pretty common. Could he be allowed to do something else during those lessons?

Thank you for replying and apologies for all the typos in my OP. I'm mortified reading it back! I really shouldn't try multitasking as I'm clearly incapable 😂

I doubt they'd allow him to skip those lessons but I can ask his form tutor. He's choosing his gcses soon so I'm guessing he will drop majority of the unchosen subjects this year? Not sure how it works as he's my firstborn.

How GCSE options works depends on the school. Some schools try to make it so most pupils choose at least 1 creative subject.

Does DS have an EHCP? The easier way to look at a personalised curriculum would be via that. DS3’s timetable doesn’t have creative subjects.

The options process can vary widely from school to school so you’re best to check. The SENDCO should be able to discuss appropriate options with you and your son.

ASD or not, all students have subjects the like and don’t like. Nothing you’ve described about his attitudes to less preferred subjects sounds out of the ordinary unless the behavioural issues are really serious, (day dreaming and chatting are not serious).

Do you know what your son’s ILP / passport / learning plan is in school? Does it have strategies to engage him in these subjects that are less accessible to him? You can ask the SENDCO if you’re not sure.

@KeepGoingThomas DS doesn't have an EHCP unfortunately, his ASD diagnosis took forever so it's quite recent and he's rather overwhelmed with it all. Doesn't want to discuss it and shuts down at the mere mention of any support in school. (We'v always known but he's now at the age where understandably he just wants to fit in).

@SachiLars DS has a one page profile for every teacher but I've not seen it. And at his last parents meeting, judging from all the blank faces I dont think many teachers have either. Its frustrating that DS is very reluctant to work with the SENCO. SENCO and I did some brainstorming behind the scenes last year so teaching staff can discretely put some support in place in class but unfortunately it doesn't seem like any has been implemented. Partly due to DS's unwillingness and partly the revolving door of supplies/overstretched SENCO who isn't great at communicating vital info with teachers. As you said it's low level misbehaviour and I've never had any serious complaints. Throughout his academic life, he's always been described as extremely quiet but when be does chat in class he doesn't have the same awareness as his NT peers about being discrete so ends up in trouble. In fact just today he mentioned his drama teacher doesn't like him much and told him he's of absolutely no use in her class other than keeping his seat warm! He took it on the chin but said he felt embarrassed as everyone laughed.

You should speak to the SENCO again. Also contact DS’s teachers yourself to discuss his ASD and the adjustments needed. I would start with the drama teacher as what she said it not appropriate.