Hello - I'm new!
Posted by
asteroids
on 18th August 2010
at 10:22
Hi Sarah,
Welcome to the forum.
There are a few parents here who have children of similar ages.
Do let us know if you have any specific concerns. We may be able to help with advice or support.
Will Oliver have any support when he starts school?
Asteroids Sara - Community Champion
Posted by
SarahP74
on 18th August 2010
at 10:41
Hi there.
Oliver isn't being statemented which is a bit of a concern for me as I worry that he won't get as much support as he may need.
His outreach worker had said that Hampshire wouldn't give him a statement, so he is going to have an IPA instead. We have had a transition meeting at the school and everyone seems lovely. The reception teacher has an ASD child herself so that reassures me as she has 1st hand knowledge. I do wonder if this IPA is worth the paper it is written on, but am thinking that I will have to trust the experts and see how he gets on. I think reception class should be OK for him as it is really just like an extension of nursery (which he loved). It's in a year or two when the classroom gets more formal that I think he will struggle, but then I have to tell myself that he will be older and may be more able to sit still by then!!!
Luckily he is going to a village school, and there will only be about 25 children in the class. About half of those he has been at nursery with for the last 2 years so hopefully this will also help him. Unfortunately there were a couple of incidents at nursery where 2 boys encouraged Oliver to kick another child, and as he thought it was a game he did it for them. These boys will be going to the same school.
Another concern is that opposite the school is the nursery and a park that he loves. During the afternoon break they are in the big playground with other children (and a smaller adult:child ratio) and I am worried that he may climb over the low fence/gate and run across the road to the park. He has absolutely no road sense and would just run looking straight ahead, and therefore possible into the path of a car. I think I will have to express my concerns to the school but I don't want them thinking I don't trust them. Not the best start to our relationship!
I do tend to over analyse things anyway so I'm not sure if I'm worrying over nothing.
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 18th August 2010
at 10:48
Welcome, Sarah!
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 18th August 2010
at 10:57
Hi Sarah
Welcome to the forum ;)
I dont think you are over analysing at all. I remember having the same fears for all of my kids and only my youngest has a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome. We actually lived right across the road from their primary school so they could see their house from the playground.
It is definitely a plus that his reception teacher has first hand experience of autism and her influence on the rest of the staff will be a great benefit.
Do let us know how your son gets on at school.
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
asteroids
on 18th August 2010
at 11:30
Hi Sarah,
I think you should explain your concerns to the school regarding the low fence. In fact, I would write to the headteacher as well as mention it to Oliver's teacher.
Apart from the fence, the school sounds very good. You can start the statementing process yourself if you feel that Oliver's needs aren't being met. There is some information here on the forum to help you.
Do you know about TWAS? http://www.twas.org.uk/
They provide a variety of support in your area.
Asteroids Sara - Community Champion
Posted by
Mel C
on 19th August 2010
at 08:43
Hi Sarah
Just wanted to welcome you :)
I am a mum of 3, my youngest Luke aged 2 is under investigation and is thought to have asd. I'm hoping he will be referred for diagnosis when we see the paed again in 2 weeks.
Looking forward to hearing about you and your boys,
Mel x
Posted by
amberlight
on 19th August 2010
at 09:06
Welcome :-)
Ann - Community Champion
Posted by
Snowdrop
on 19th August 2010
at 13:44
Hi Sarah
Welcome to the forum, I am mum to 2 boys (Dylan who is 5 with ASD & Jake who is 18 months & thinks his 5!!).
My son started in mainstream reception class last Sep and I arranged an appt with his school before the summer holidays and went to the meeting with a list of things I was concerned about & we discussed things to be put in place. After he had been there a few weeks I asked for an appt and went in again and asked what things had been implemented etc, I used to ask for quite regular meetings and would always follow up the meetings with a letter confirming what was discussed, I was always polite but firm. Don't worry about them thinking you don't trust them, your just a parent who has every right to ensure your son is provided with the correct care.
Unfortunately mainstream school didn't work out for my son and we did take the statementing route and he is due to start in a specialist provision in September which we are feeling really positive about. Thats not to say mainstream won't work for your son though, Dylan did have other kids with ASD in his class who are still at the school now.
Take care & if you want to chat about any other concerns, feel free, we are all here to offer you support.
Tracy - Community Champion
Posted by
demipowell
on 19th August 2010
at 20:29
Hi Sarah
Welcome to the forum! I am mum to two boys, Matthew is 5 and a half and has no diagnosis but has lots of difficulties suggestive of ADHD and ASD. Ryan is nearly 4 and has other disabilities. I too worry about the impact Matthew's behaviour has on Ryan. He is very hard on him and also does pick up some of his behaviours which can be a bit of a challenge. Ryan goes away for respite sometimes just to get him a little break from the situation as Matthew is really aggressive pretty much 24.7 and Ryan can't really defend himself!
Matthew is also due to be starting in mainstream school after the summer. Like you its a small village school (also with no proper fence). We have a different system in Scotland, our support is called a CSP (instead of a statement) and Matthew doesnt have one either. However I have found the school very positive in our transition meetings so we'll see how it works out. I don't know how on earth he will cope, but we will see.
Stick with it and try not to worry too much in advance. Its 7 days to go till our first day! EEEK.
Demi
Posted by
NickyB
on 19th August 2010
at 21:43
Hello Sarah and welcome :)
I have a 7 year old son who was diagnosed at 4 with autism. He has been at mainstream school until this September, when he will be moving to an ASD unit attached to a mainstream school. His previous school were fantastic, and couldn't have done any more to support him. He has always struggled in a classroom environment, and especially so in year 2 where the focus has been on more formal learning. The school were brilliant at trying all sorts of different approaches, and were always open to my suggestions. He has been taught 1-2-1 in a seperate room for the last 2 terms, and that made a huge difference. Unfortunately, in year 3 he would have gone to a different part of the site, where they don't have the space to do this, so that was one of the reaons we applied for a statement and have moved him. What you've said about the school seems very positive so there's no reason that he shouldn't be fine. I would say just keep talking to them and don't be afraid to voice any concerns and make suggestions - you know your son better than anyone. Keep in touch and let is know how it all goes.
Nicky - Community Champion
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Posted by
SarahP74
on 18th August 2010
at 09:42
Hello everyone. I'm new on here so wanted to say hello.
I am mum to two gorgeous boys. Oliver is 4 1/2 and has had a diagnosis of 'Social Communication Difficulties, suggestive of ASD' by the Paediatrician about 5 months ago. We are now on a very long waiting list to see a Clinical Psychologist for a full diagnosis. Samuel is 17 months old and so far appears to be neuro-typical.
I think I have now come to terms with the diagnosis, although we still have days when I feel I can't cope. Sam, unfortunately, is often at the receiving end of Olivers reactions, which I find hard to manage. I worry about what the future holds for Oliver. He is starting mainstream school next month, and I worry how he will fit in.
Thank goodness for sites like this, as I can't imagine how hard this would have been 20 years ago when Oliver would have been labelled a naughty or strange child and I wouldn't have been able to access the information and advice that I can now.