Can a child with ADHD, autistic tendancies and a statement survive in a mainstream High School?

Question

My son has ADHD, Autistic Tendancies and OCD he is on Concerta. He doesnt like crowds and unfamiliar environments, Doesnt do change, is VERY literal, doesnt see danger, takes everything to heart and has no definative group of friends. I was asked recently about where I would like him to attend high school. Apparently if I select a school to which we are outside catchment, it would need to be named on his statement. I have 1 school year to do the leg work checking out what is available as it has to be sorted by mid year 5. Has anyone gone through this and have you any advice etc.........
Many Thanks

We are in the UK, and he currently attends a mainstream school. The school the Education dept have mentioned is 30 miles away. I have looked at its prospectous and I have my concerns, he has a real difficulty with anything differant and that extends to disabilities that he can see, we have a family member with severe CP and its a nightmare when we get together he has no tolerance no matter how we explain the condition, especially seeing as its my partners 14 yr old brother. Im really at a loss, seems to be way more complicated than I anticipated. Education Dept in UK will "encourage" us to put him in mainstream (politics) Hence why anything out of our catchment has to be named on his statement.
Thanks for the answers/suggestions so far guys. Keep them coming.

Answer 1

I'm guessing since you use the term "statement" you are in the UK. My advice is only useful if you do.
It seems to me that your son needs a school where mere survival isn't the best he can get. In 20 years of working with people with learning disabilities I came to the conclusion that children on the autistic spectrum do far better in schools where there are specialist teachers who understand their needs. If I were you I would try to find out from other parents and from The Autistic Society what schools are available to meet his needs. You then need to look at the schools for yourself and prepare a good case for your son. You will have to show that he has needs that cannot be met in mainstream and that these needs can be met in a special school. Remember that although his educaltional needs take priority, the statement should also consider his social, emotional, and even spiritual needs. I do remeber one couple who got the school they wanted for their son using his spiritual needs as the winning arguement. If you can get at least one professional on your case to support you this will be easier.

Answer 2

I don't have a child with autism, but I taught a child with autism, and my school has an autistic class, so I have a little bit of experience with this. The mother of the student let me read a book to the class about autism so they were able to understand things better (the student wasn't in the class when I read the book). My class absolutely adored the autistic student. They never made fun of him, understood that he was different, kept him in check (he's smart enough to take advantage of people if you let him), and helped him when he needed help. By the end of the year, he had made genuine friends who truly enjoyed his company. Kids CAN be mean, but you'd be surprised at just how much more compassionate they can be if given the chance. It also helps to keep the child in the same school, as they take comfort in the familiarity of the building, the teachers, the other staff, and the students. Mildly autistic children can have a lot of success in public schools if everyone involved is patient and understanding, with positive expectations for growth. :)

Answer 3

It's a hard decision. I think that he would, almost certainly, be happier/more comfortable in a special school. However, a special school may not ready him to have to live in the regular world. Plus, as I'm sure you know, special schools can cost a pretty penny. You mite try to get your son involved w/ a group of kids that will be in his freshman class, if he goes to public school. This mite help him to feel more comfortable about going to public school. I was at a public school for a while during high school, where I spent a good amount of time in the "special room", due to a reading problem. There is a definite stigma to being herded together w/ a bunch of defective people. That may be a problem for your son. Maybe you should try public school, at first, but if it's going poorly after a spell, you can switch him to private school.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Hello... One of the high schools that I attended a few years ago had two girls with special needs. They interacted with the students and attended all the same classes, but they had a carer which guided them at all times. Although teenagers have a bad name about being mean, etc. I feel that they are actually really considerate. At another high school I attended, we had a boy with austism, and he blended in easily. He made a group of friends, and EVERYONE looked out for him.

I understand your concerns and I really hope everything goes well. You are the only one who really knows your son. So at the end of the day go with your gut instinct and do what you feel is best.

Take Care

Adz!

Answer 5

Some high schools have special schools 'linked' into them, and work very well for bright, Autistic students. They can go to some regular lessons, have some in the school, and have special pastoral care.
Check the size (ie go in and look at) disability units (special schools onsite of a mainstream school, schools with DUs and PDUs) within schools- you may have to go further afield that your catchment area but they are usually flexible.

I've worked with two schools who do this and both integrate students very well, giving the best of both worlds.

Answer 6

In the US, the IEP team meets and discusses the placement (classroom, school, etc...) that can meet the child's needs the best. Perhaps you can meet with your son's teachers, principal, counselor and discuss options together. Ask how the high schools you are considering can meet your son's needs. Do they offer special programs, personnel and training to help him with his goals? What is their discipline policy as it relates to children with disabilities? Is there transportation available for an out of district shchool? Then make a more educated decision. I'm sure that if you ask they will try to help.
Good luck to you!

Answer 7

First let me start off by saying I am a professional. I am a speech-pathologist, so I work with kids in this situation every day. There is no need to have him put into a mainstream school. If you go to the board of education, they HAVE to pay for a school that supports this. You have to find a school, and then propose it to the Board of Education. Good luck!

Answer 8

Only you and your son can really decide which school will be best for him. Take him to see the schools available during school time, if possible (I realise it may be traumatic for him, but it may also reassure him.) Speak with all the agaencies concerned with his statement and find out what support would be available to him, both for the preparation for transfer and at the new school.

It is a difficult decision for you to make but I think you are right to prepare now as he will be able to slowly get used to the idea of change.

Answer 9

I don't think such a child could survive mainstream, at least not without some sort of support system in place. Do any of the schools have extra services for kids with such issues? Is there the possibility of a small private school, a specialized charter school, magnet program, homeschooling?

Answer 10

I think he would maybe benefit alot more by going to a special needs school where he will get the right attention and care that he needs,it is a tough choice to make and my 4 year old will be starting a special school this august,i had my doubts at first but i know it`s what he needs and he will get the attention he needs as the ratio`s are alot smaller.