Safety fears about autistic son and school transport

[Zootsandlegends]

A question for those who’s children get transport to their specialist schools -
my 6yr old son (autistic) is going to be going to specialist school. It is 45mins away, so if I were to take him there and back myself plus then repeat the journey for pickup, I’d be looking at 3hrs in the car every day.
I am struggling with the idea of him getting a taxi or transport. He is EXTREMELY socially vulnerable and would not recognise inappropriate behaviour, is extremely naive and would be extremely vulnerable to manipulation or coercion. It scares the life out of me the idea of putting him in a taxi with God knows who. Equally, I’m struggling to keep myself and all my other responsibilities afloat massively and 3hrs of school runs isn’t going to help that.
How do I ensure his safety if he were to go to and from school via transport? Can I request a passenger assistant goes with him? preferably female? Is that allowed/likely to ever be agreed?!
And if he does go on transport, how do I not feel guilty at not being there to wave him off into school myself/be the face he sees when he leaves?
So much swirling round my head about it all and I’d love to hear from anyone who’s children sounds similar to mine and how it’s safely managed?
Thankyou xx

Not all do, but some DC will have an escort. It depends on the child’s needs, if it is shared transport, any other DC on the same transport, and to an extent, the LA. Some LAs routinely provide an escort for young children.

IME, most escorts are female. You can request that, but it isn’t guaranteed.

Sometimes it isn’t possible, but you can request to meet the driver (and if relevant, the escort) beforehand.

Try not to feel guilty. You have nothing to feel guilty about.

OP I was SO worried about my ASD son going on transport for school. Beside myself.

What stage are you at?

Once his was approved I requested to meet the driver and support worker and it just calmed my mind immensely. It gave my son a chance to have a look at the mini bus too so we could do a social story.

He did cry the first two days, when he realised I wouldn’t be on the bus with him and then loved the bus journey. Now he likes the routine of the bus arriving etc.

I would make sure you let them know he needs support on the journey and your concerns relating to taxi, I emailed the council about this, particularly my safeguarding concerns for a non verbal child.