Separation anxiety starting nursery

[Lilacbluewaters]

My son started nursery recently he is 4 next month, I thought it is best to give him a bit of time in a setting before starting reception.
he is waiting for an assessment so has no formal diagnosis yet but I know he is autistic.
he has very intense separation anxiety and gets angry and choked up. I feel so guilty and upset for him, it’s hard because he doesn’t properly understand. He repeats over and over “mummy stay” or “mummy not go?” Just lots of phrases trying to comfort himself. He has an amazing key worker though and she is so caring towards him and always 1:1 with him. But I can’t help but worry about reception, how would he ever cope without a 1:1? He doesn’t really interact with other children, he will watch them sometimes but doesn’t yet play with them. Has anyone been through similar and can share some of their stories

Other than the key-worker providing 1:1, what support is the nursery providing? Have you spoken to the SENCO at the nursery?

Some find a transition object helps separation anxiety. Some find having the same activity (preferably one DS likes to do) first thing each morning as he arrives at nursery helpful. If DS struggles with the busyness/noisiness of drop off, dropping off 5/10 mins earlier or later can help &/or through a quieter entrance.

If 1:1 is required, has an EHCNA request been made? Did you speak to the SENCOs at the potential schools?