Considering HE special needs 10 year old - advise really appreciated!

[sarah573]

DS is 10, he has aspergers syndrome. He's very bright and able academically, very sensible and practical, but has the social skills of a toddler.

He managed OK in mainstream until he was 7 or 8, when things started going steadily downhill. Despite him having a statement the school were unsympathetic and unhelpful. He had numerous exclusions, was put on a part time time table, and turned into a very unhappy and angry little boy.

In May I took him out of school. I have not officially withdrawn him, he's still on the roll of his old school, but it was agreed that more suitable provision needed to be found. There is no ASD provision locally so it would have to be another mainstream.

Since he has left school he has been a different child. He still has the problems associated with his AS, but he's so much calmer, relaxed and happy. This has not only impacted on him, but on my 2 younger children, and as a family things are better all around.

The LEA are dragging their heels about finding him a suitable school, and Ive been keeping my head down as I really don't want to send him back.

At the moment the LEA are providing a tutor for 2 hours a week, and I'm spending about 3 or 4 hours a week 1:1 with teaching him the KS2 stuff he should be doing at school.

His tutor says he's keeping on track accademically,which is pretty amazing as his attendance for the last 2 years was less than 50%.

The trouble is the LEA will not provide the tutor for ever, its ment as a stop gap, and I really don't think I am capable of tutoring him much past year 6 or 7, I certinally couldn't teach him up to GCSE.

He's also in need of social interaction with other kids, which he's not getting at all.

I just can't stand the thought of sending my little boy back to an environment that makes him so unhappy.

[HeroicHumphreyCutlassCushion]

What area do you live in, sarah?
I think it would be helpful for you to speak to some local home educators.
I home ed my two dyslexic sons.
Feel free to CAT me if you want to chat.

[Runnerbean]

Agree with HHCC, you definitely need to contact your local HE group, join www.education-otherwise

Where in the country are you?
Our local eo contact has 2 Aspie ds's aged 11 and 6, they are really lovely boys! But there lives have been turned around by HE.
Although I don't have personal experience of your situation,
I have met many autistic spectrum dc's amongst the HE community (although to be honest I often don't even realise until the parent tells me!) I would say they are 100% sure that HE is the best thing for them.

If you are anywhere near the south east I can give you details of an excellent website/yahoo group.

[onwardandupward]

these people are wonderfully supportive and have an email list - get yourself on that and ask for advice!

THere are several aspergers HEing families who blog. these spring entirely to mind, this lot are inspiring...

Good luck!

[onwardandupward]

entirely immediately (not quite concentrating...)

[julienoshoes]

I second every thing onwardandupward ad the others have said.
Several of the children who come to our home ed group have aspergers and we know many more through the home ed national and local camps and gatherings we go to.

The Special Needs list and webpage she linked to is second to none for support and advice and they have a Month in the life of...blog for families to share how home educating children with SEN works for them.
And of course there is a book on the subject
Home Educating Our Autistic Spectrum Children: Paths are made by walking edited by Terri Dowty
Synopsis
Mainstream educational provision for children on the autistic spectrum can be inadequate or inappropriate. An increasing number of parents dissatisfied with the education system are looking elsewhere for an approach that will suit their children's needs. In "Home Educating Our Autistic Spectrum Children", parents who have chosen to home educate their children with autism or Asperger's syndrome candidly relate their experiences: how they reached the decision to educate at home, how they set about the task, and how it has affected their lives. Following these personal accounts, the final chapters offer practical advice on getting started with home education, legal advice from an expert in education law, and contact details of support organisations

[sarah573]

Thanks for replies everyone, I will have a good look at all the links you have given once the DCs are in bed.

Im in Portsmouth - so would be really interested in that group/website you mentioned runnerbean.