Hi - I’ve not posted for absolutely ages but just hoping for some advice about post-16 options.
Also posted this in SN chat but posting here too.
Ds is nearly 17 and in a special school (year 12)
He achieved level 8 in maths and English & another IT gcse equivalent qual. They didn’t offer any other quals.
DH is getting cross whenever I mention any other options other than mainstream college either next sept.22 or 23 because he feels DS needs to meet new people and do a qualification that will enable him to get a good job.
DS however, is absolutely petrified about going to a mainstream college after what will be 4 or 5 years out of mainstream school. He still isn’t comfortable being in a special school but it was out last option at the time and he has really progressed in many areas. Yes, it isn’t the most academic option but he’s doing ok.
He loves music and plays beautiful piano without being able to read music and in his mind, I think he would like to do something with composing and/or producing. But he buries his head when he’s anxious and I think he imagines himself sitting in his bedroom composing piano jingles and film scores.....which I think is cool and perfectly fine but DH doesn’t.
He wants DS to do a course in coding. DS is good at coding and I’m sure could do it and get a great job but he told me he thinks it would be boring.
His main worry about going to MS college, is meeting new people and worrying he doesn’t have the right skills to start and continue conversations....which are a huge part of his EHCP.
Not sure how to get DH to see that just because he’s over 16, he’s not suddenly not autistic and just because he’s becoming an adult, doesn’t mean he’s going to find social communication any easier!
Any ideas? I’m guessing if good SEND support was available at a MS college, it’s a case of the student making sure to access that support....not have a TA coming to them to check they’re ok?