what help to ask for at school for AS ds

[benjaminsmum]

Hi, my ds was dx with AS a couple of weeks ago. Most of the time he 'copes' at school but reading other peoples threads I am confused as to what I want the school to do. They keep telling me he is ok and most of the time a lovely boy but at least once a week he does something such as push another child. They have also commented that he finds it hard to stay on task which is the opposite to what happens at home. He can focus on one task for hours if he is not distracted which I think is the problem at school. When I take him anywhere I have to watch him constantly to prevent any incidents happening and physically remove him from potential aggresive situations happening.

What I am not sure of is what help I want for school, part of me things he needs omeone watching him full time to intervene when he is getting stressed and to keep hime on task but another part of me wants as little imput as possible to stop him being seen as too different. What help do your children get? Any thoughts?

Thanks

Hi, my dd1 got a dx just before christmas, like your ds she seems to be doing ok at school, she has had a few problems with one girl but the school seemed to sort it out. I am lucky that dd1 is in a small school (12 in her class) so at the moment she gets a lot of attention, i think if she was in a larger class she would need someone to prompt her and reasure her.

At the moment dd1 is only in reception so i am not too worried, i would say as long as they are no harm to others or there selves and they are not getting behind with their work then i would leave it for now, as long as the school are aware of his dx and they keep you informed of any problems.

If you are worried then maybe have a word and see what the school has to say.

benjaminsmum

How old is your DS?. School may well be aware of his dx but may actually have no idea of how to help him properly in class.
If he is finding it hard to stay on task then his learning will be affected. That will stand him out from the others. So more imput is essential particularly as he progresses through his school years.

My son has a Statement which gives him some 1 to 1. His support LSA is in class with him, none of the other children honestly take a blind bit of notice of the LSA and are very accepting of the LSA and DS.

I would seriously consider applying for a Statement of Special Needs for him now to your LEA. If you want 1 to 1 then a Statement is probably the surest way of getting such support. Have a look at IPSEA's website www.ipsea.org.uk. Plans like School Action Plus (where outside agencies like Occupational therapist, SALT, developmental paed etc are involved) are not legally binding (unlike a Statement) and have limited support.

Have you talked with the SENCO re your son; is he on anything like SA plus currently?. A good working relationship with the SENCO is essential.

You do not need School's permission to apply for a Statement besides which you are better off applying for such a document yourself anyway. School have no appeal rights if the LEA say no but parents do.

You are your child's best - and only - advocate.

ds is just five so in reception. He is fortunately quite bright so keeping up despite not doing anything.

i am about to have ds observed in class, due to ds's tendancy to push, or hit out. I am concerned he may have adhd or asd, but it is only this "impulsiveness" that is the problem, needs to be reminded to play nicely and share etc. What other symptoms do your dc's have? i am really confused about it; have another thread "fish oils and impulsiveness"...would love any advice!

Sorry don't intend to hijack thread!!