What about kindy????

Brenda - posted on 07/09/2009

Quoting Amanda:

Thanks, we're still really new to the diagnosis. His childcare don't provide ST or OT but he will be seeing one soon hopefully, I had taken him to a ST for his diagnosis and was going to continue to send him there but I found out she is really slack when it comes to paper work or communicating with other professionals so I am looking for another speechy, didn't realise how difficult they can be to come by. I'm just trying to think about the future and which school I will send him to because they need to attend a certain kindy to go to some schools here. How hard is it usually for a child with HFA to transistion to school?

Hi Amanda,

It really suprises me sometimes when I read about the different help and schools that other people have in thier areas. I am so blessed that the transition for my son was what it was. But the one lady is right, kids with autism do well when thier lives are not uprooted, but I found my son adjusted well to any transition most of the time. Its the attitude that you present that is going to be the determining factor. We actually do them a disservice by making thier lives to even keel. They have to learn to adjust in order to survive in society. Our kids see how we react and then they react the same. Just go about life like this is normal and he will feel more comfortable. Your schools should have a division that test children with disabilities to determine where they are on the learning curve, an Educational plan should be put in place, that would include whether he is mainstreamed, taught one on one, or has a helper, also the plan will lay out what the expectation are for him in the school year, therapies he will receive and how much. See if you have any parent advocacy groups in your area, they will help you with his educational plan and transition to school. You have a long road ahead of you, have patience with your son but not with the system. You know your child. Do whatever it takes to help your son succeed in life. Research everything before implementing, and only do what makes you comfortable. Good-Luck 

Amanda - posted on 07/09/2009

Thanks, we're still really new to the diagnosis. His childcare don't provide ST or OT but he will be seeing one soon hopefully, I had taken him to a ST for his diagnosis and was going to continue to send him there but I found out she is really slack when it comes to paper work or communicating with other professionals so I am looking for another speechy, didn't realise how difficult they can be to come by. I'm just trying to think about the future and which school I will send him to because they need to attend a certain kindy to go to some schools here. How hard is it usually for a child with HFA to transistion to school?

Julie - posted on 07/08/2009

That is a tricky decision. If he is able to get a worker to work with him one-on-one at his current childcare, that may be the easiest transition for him. My son has a teacher that works one-on-one with him in his preschool class and he does really great with that. If you do need to send him to another childcare or school, don't worry about it. It is true that autistic children do better with routine, but they can adjust if need be. My husband is in the Army and that means a lot of change for our family. While it does take a while for my son to adjust after a change, once he is settled in, he continues to show progress. Sorry I can't tell you what you should do. Just do what you feel is best for your son and don't beat yourself up about your decision.

Awdanis - posted on 07/08/2009

I'm glad he is receiving some outside support right now. Are they able to work with him at the childcare where he is now? Also, what kind of services is he receiving ( speech, occupational)? If they are able to continue these services at the place that he is most comfortable at, do what your gut tells you to. Children in the spectrum need routine and changing schools might not be the right thing to do right now. I hope this helps.