Autism unit or language unit?

[adrianna22]

Need help deciding over the two. Been to look at the ASD units around my area. But wasn't sure if DS needs would be met there. Haven't looked at language units.

[fairgame]

Is his primary need asd or salt?

I thought you had already decided on the language unit because the asd unit couldn't provide the necessary level of salt input?

You should look at the language unit as well. I ended up looking at 7 different schools before I found the right one. You can't really get a true feeling of whether its the right place unless you visit imo.
You need to see if there is a peer group, whether the teaching approach is right for ds and whether he will get all the therapies he needs.
You are potentially tied into a placement for at least a year unless it breaks down or you move.

[adrianna22]

Hi fairgame.

I'm not sure what his primary need is, as he hasn't been assessed. I am still keen on the language unit, but because everyone keeps telling me that I should put him in an ASD unit, I'm reconsidering.

I honestly feel that if I don't put DS into an ASD unit, that I am denying his ASD diagnosis. I know that's stupid, but it's generally how I feel.

The ASD units I have seen do not provide the necessary level of salt input.

DS has been referred to a language unit by the SEN team. But wondering if I should look at the unit, if his referral is accepted for assessment.

[fairgame]

Definitely look at the language unit. I would advise you to look at all options the LA suggest then they can't say you haven't considered everything!

Your not denying his asd diagnosis you just need to pick which is more important at this stage, his salt or his asd.
IME asd units are usually aimed at children who can't cope fully in ms, due to behaviour or sensory overload, but are too academically able for ss.
Language units are for kids who need intense salt support. They also work on social interaction as part of the therapy.
Usually both asd and language units have periods where the kids access the ms lessons with support. Don't worry too much about the ms school attached as it will be the unit where he will spend most of his time so that is the most important bit.
Find out what a typical day in each unit will be like and how much time they are expected to spend in ms.

It's really important to find out about the peer group in the unit's as well. It's no good putting him in an asd unit if he is unable to communicate with the other children e.g. if they are all verbal and he is non-verbal or if they have behavioural problems and he doesn't.
The staff should be able to tell you about the profile of the peer group.

Placements are reviewed every year as well so nothing is permanent.

[fairgame]

Oh and don't worry about what everyone else says. You know what's best for your child.

[adrianna22]

Thank you fairgame.

Yes I do have to feel what's best for DS.

Thanks so much for your posts. I feel much better.