I know each story is different and there are really helpful, supportive teachers
but for my son who is in a special school his whole school life has been a struggle and unjust actions which probably wouldn't of occured if the teachers had the understanding and skill needed to support him. I can accept in mainstream school this was difficult, even with his statement but I find it criminal that this can still be the case in a special school, where the teachers have 8 children maximum and learning support in all classes. They also have the diagnosis and support if requested from autism specialists. 😡
Well its not getting me down its going to make me stronger. 😎
I am still advocating for my son and only have 1 year left. I hope I can get him the help he needs for the last year.
busymum.
Hi busymum. Felt i had to reply to your post.I have a cousin with aspergers and a nephew with mild autism.I have also in the past worked with young adults with autism treating them with aromatherapy and massage and co wrote a chapter in Shirley Prices book"Aromatherapy for Health Professionals" on the subject.
I feel worried that the teachers who should specialise in this area have limited understanding and knowledge? Especially as there is so much information available and much of it is on the web?
I fell into this area,contacting the care home thinking it was for the elderly,their response to my enquiry of possibly treating the clients with aromatherapy was so positive i thought why not.
I read as much on the subject as i could,joined websites,bought books.....most helpful was Tony Attwood and Professor Temple Grandin (who gives great insight into emotions)
Anyway if i can do this,why cant they? Surely they wish the best for their pupils?....they have a huge impact on childrens development(we all remember the good role models and how their message can still be with us)and should be reminded of this.
Have you spoken to the Head re your concens if you dont feel they are supporting you and your son?
Keep going Busymum....dont forget we are here if you need to vent! x
Thank you for your reply, Greenqueen. You sound like you've researched so well about autism. I absolutely agree and think if a teacher has a child with any medical condition a quick surf would make such a difference. I am speaking to the head teacher and LEA after Easter about support and options for him. The school have been told to organize the meeting and are not very supportive at the moment. So I think a change of school may be the only option. I am not very happy about it but think that if they keep treating my son like this it is probably better if he does move.
Thanks for listening.
busymum.
I really empathise with you...we are going through hell with the education authority (LA) at the moment. However, there are more powerful things you can do to help him get his voice heard.
Ask him if he is happy with the way he is treated at school...if he says no, ask if he would like to raise a complaint with the Local Authority. He has a right to do so, and in doing so the Local Authority MUST offer him an advocate. If they dont then get him one, you should request he writes a letter requesting one for himeself. Obviously, this would necessitate you writing the letter and reading it to him for him to sign (or you on his behalf).
The advocate must be someone who is totally unconnected with the school or LA, and usually they work for a charity and the LA commission them to undertake any advocacy work needed. Bear in mind the LA will not want to do this. They are actually afraid to do so.
Your son has an educational statement of SEN and this must be reviewed at least annually. However, you & he can request an interim review. There are guidelines in place that the LA must adhere to...and they wont want to do this. He can reqest (or you on his behalf) the advocate works with him to prepare for the Review, and that the review is conducted in a child centred way, without jargon and complicated language, and at a pace to siut you lad.
Parents Side By Side (sorry, cant do links!) is an excellent forum for parents of children with special needs.
The parents side by side site is at http://z9.invisionfree.com/Side_by_Side/
Thank you danigirl,
we have an important review coming up after Easter. I have written to the local authority with my concerns and they have set this review up. I have stated some very serious issues 😮 and have now given my ultimatums.
I will let you know how it goes and thank you all for listening.
Rustic thank you for putting up the link.
busymum.
