Mainstream or specialist school?

LP86

Hi, I'm new to the community and just looking for some advice.

My daughter is three and has been on numerous waitlists to try get an Autism assessment. We're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and she should only have a couple of months left to wait to see the Psychologist and start the assessment process. She's been receiving early years SEN funding for nearly a year and although we're not qualified to diagnose her, we think it's quite clear she sits on the spectrum.

In a few months we need to start applying for primary schools and I'm torn whether she needs to go to a Specialist school or if a Mainstream school have the resources to help her. My timing is very bad as school holidays have just started and there's no one at the schools that can provide any advice until September. If she needs to go to a specialist school, I'm aware that in my area the EHCP application process takes 20 weeks, which means I need to submit it asap. 

I'm just looking for some advice and hear your experiences on sending your autistic children to either of these schools. She's our first child and we don't really have any other children in our friend and family groups so we have no idea of which type of school is best for her.

To give a bit more insight, she's verbal but has been diagnosed with echolalia. She doesn't really talk in conversation and at most we'll only get two word answers from her, this is generally when she wants something such as "more juice". She's very sensitive to loud noises and runs away if she hears alarms, hand dryers, dogs etc. She also has sleep issues and has been prescribed Melatonin, however it's not that she needs less sleep (which I know is common in autistic people) as she is often very moody and more sensitive to her sensory issues after a bad night. 

However, she is exceptionally clever compared to her peers, which we think is down to her extremely good memory. She struggles to communicate this though and as she doesn't follow instructions she won't showcase her skills on demand. We want a setting that can help nurture her intelligence, but at the same time they need to be flexible and have the resources in place to support her sensory and communication struggles.

Any help, advice or just sharing your experiences would be great. 

Ross_Alumni

Morning @LP86 and welcome to the community, it's lovely to see you join us.

Thank you for giving us an overview of your situation and the considerations you are making. It's clear that you just want the best for your daughter, and part of that process can involve getting some insight from others so you've done the right thing in reaching out  

I have moved your discussion over to our education category, which you might find it helpful to browse for any related discussions. We also have a children, parents and families category as well as an autism and neurodiversity category too.

It's good that you are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel, having that diagnosis can open so many doors in terms of support, and I'm sure that would give you some peace of mind too.

I'm sure that both mainstream and a specialist school will have their own benefits and potential downsides too, so I completely understand why you are placing such importance on this decision, after all you just want what is best for her.

I found this page over on the Autism.org.uk website about choosing between a mainstream and specialist school. I realise you don't yet have the diagnosis, but given that you strongly suspect she may have autism I thought this page may be of use to you. 

I will also include a link here for the Independent Provider of Special Educational Advice (IPSEA) in case you want to get in touch for some professional advice.

Jdug12345

Hello @LP86,
I am a parent to a child with Autism.  Although my child presents differently (has Aspergers diagnosis), no learning or communication issues, we struggle massively with the social and emotional aspects of life.  

I really do dislike to share the advise I am about to, so please be aware this is our experience only and can perhaps differ from the experiences other parents and children have experienced.

My child coped very well in primary school and fairly well in junior school, the dynamics of smaller schools, with increased teacher - child ratios etc can cope very well with disabled children.  However, high school is a different matter.  Due to the nature of high schools, changing of rooms , teachers and peers for each lesson, my child has gone from a top attendee and learner to falling below age expected academic level in all but one class and attending only 30% of the time.  The school has reviewed my child for two years and have now verbally said we would benefit from a special school setting (but are reluctant to put this in writing).  They simply do not have the resources/capacity to support the current and emerging needs (due to sensory overload).  We are without EHCP and our Local Authority (LA) rejected our request, so we are at the appeal stage (many go to appeal).  All aspects of watching my child fall, from getting support and then increased support (as it is a Plan - Do - Act - Review cycle), to the EHCP submission and rejection has been slow and painful.  In my experience and in my LA you cannot access a special school without an EHCP.

My advice based on my experiences:  Research every local school (including special schools), find school facebook groups so you get a real feel for the school (I chose the High school after reading their website and their inclusion policies, but sadly the reality did not match their own standards).  Remember just because you start with a school doesn't mean you cannot change to another (although with Autism I know this is hard on the child).  Do not discount special schools, they have greater Teacher - Child ratios, better sensory acoustics and lighting etc.  Your child's needs will change as they grow, anticipating what the  future needs will be is very difficult, so please be kind to yourself when looking at your options, your decision will be made from love and based on what you feel is best for your child at this time.

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @Jdug12345 Thank you so much for sharing this. I imagine it was helpful for @LP86 to read someone's first hand experience! 

Are you receiving any support to help you with your appeal? 

Tori_Scope

I'm sorry to hear that you experienced bullying @ExpertByExperience Do you feel that it still affects you now? 

Jdug12345

@Tori_Scope
SENDIASS will attend the hearing with me in October, but we are unsupported by school. Any help or advice would be most welcome. 

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Jdug12345. I'm sorry no one was able to offer any more advice. Do you feel prepared for the hearing next month?