My 16yr old daughter is autistic, finds school really difficult. Her anxiety has really taken over the last few years & she barely functions at school so hasn't been able to go to class, she has been in a room on her own. She has also had years of bullying. She doesn't have a single friend. The school & I would really like her to stay on 1 more year to at least get her N5 English.
She started back yesterday & the bullies started on her so she sat in the loo upset instead of staying in class. It's killing her going to school & it's breaking my heart. She doesn't accept her diagnosis so wont go into the ASN classes.
If she leaves school she is going to be even more isolated sitting in the house doing nothing as I work full time. I've asked her to speak to the careers advisor to find out if she could move to college but she hasn't done this yet. She will also be limited as she only has N4 qualifications. We are in Scotland in case this makes a difference.
My other issue is that as a single parent I receive UC & I'm worried I will lose this if she leaves full time education (I know how selfish that sounds but I rely on it to pay the mortgage). I had to take a lower paid job as I was getting constant calls from the school & having to leave to pick her up.
My main questions are, should I let her leave school to save her mental health (she also has loads of physical health issues all related to stress & anxiety).
Will I lose the UC if she does leave FT education.
Thanks if you got this far.