What would you do? (Autism & School)

[Brainchild]

Well we just found out that the School here is going to move our son right on through the school.They feel that working one on one with him is not doing any good,and that he isn't capable of learning how to read and write,so they are not going to focus on academics anymore,and just on his social behavior.
I'm not going to say that he doesn't have problems,because he does,but I think they should still make an effort to teach him.We went through the meetings yesterday with the school,and today with the counselor,and he said just accept the fact that there are things he will never be able to do.Well I'm sorry,but that isn't easy to do.
I don't know whether to fight with them or just say OK! I mean I want to make sure that I am looking after the best intrests of my son,but how do I decide what that is?
Thanks for letting me blow off some steam.
Opinions welcome on this matter
BC

[vass0922]

ah yes, no kid left behind! Keep him moving no matter what!

Dunno man, tough to deal with

Sorry I can't offer any advice, but good luck and... have patience.

[Blazer06]

my opionin is dont allow them to force him to move on.

every person is capable of learning to read and write. i guarentee you that. mabye they jsut arnt trying enough / the right way (the teachers)

idk... but i wouldnt allow them to push him through. (besides the fact its not really fair to the other students)

i hope well for him...


Blaze

[RedFury]

Interestingly, when my daughter was refusing to do her part to learn how to read and write and all that good stuff, I proclaimed that if need be, she would be held back a grade...only to be told that that wouldn't happen

The lack of consequences bothers me, and children are going to be left behind if they get pushed ahead. Everyone grasps concepts, etc at different rates. They push these kids through school faster than they can learn, and they are going to be scratching their heads as to why there are so many failures running around, calling themselves 19 year olds.

[Brainchild]

Originally posted by RedFury
Interestingly, when my daughter was refusing to do her part to learn how to read and write and all that good stuff, I proclaimed that if need be, she would be held back a grade...only to be told that that wouldn't happen

The lack of consequences bothers me, and children are going to be left behind if they get pushed ahead. Everyone grasps concepts, etc at different rates. They push these kids through school faster than they can learn, and they are going to be scratching their heads as to why there are so many failures running around, calling themselves 19 year olds.

Yeah that's where I'm at now.They won't hold him back a grade,even though they say that socially and academically he is 2-3 years behind.I would rather he be in school a year,or even two longer and be able to function,than to be told you're a failure,and push him on through.But that won't happen,they refuse to hold him back a year.I always assumed that it was a parents decision,but it's just not that way anymore
I know he is Autistic,and it takes a while for him to grasp things,but they also said he wouldn't walk,run,ride bikes,or talk in full sentences,but he does all those things.I think it'sa lack of patience on thier part.
Homeschool is looking more like an option,but I would rather him have the interaction with other kids that he gets at school.

[Mike]

Ha RedFury, it was the other way around, for me! My elementary school wanted to hold me back every year until about fourth grade. I finally had a tutor that taught me how to read and write, very well.

Let's put it this way - Anyone remember those ol' contests where you'd get stickers for reading certain books, then go and get a free Pizza Hut pizza? I set school records...
Reading Bradbury and King books in middle school was rather scary.

BC: IMO, homeschooling is a much better option. Sending a student thrhough the current U.S. education system is just plain scary. It's sad to say this, but he'd get a better understanding of what the school says he "can't do."

[tmx468]

I am sorry to hear that BC... the ex's sister is autistic, and has been in and out of the the local schools for a while, either due to teachers lack of understanding, or though bullying..

I think it is a case of not knowing, and to a level, not caring..

Homeschooling may well be your best bet, but make sure that there is still a social life in the evenings and weekends.

Everyone learns at their own rates - I spent 4 hours teaching a 26 year old Hex today - the 35 yo on my other side got it in 10 miinutes.

All the best.

Chris

[Brainchild]

Thanks for looking everyone. I am leaning towards homeschooling,and a private tutor.I think it's a matter of caring on thier parts.

I'm gonna ponder it fora few days

[MDS]

Let me know how things turn out. I have a son that is Autistic and doesn't talk much at 5yrs old. He has had a very hard time learning what he has learned thus far. He will be working with a student teacher from the collage hear over the next few months. Preschool would not take him as his problems that they don't want to deal with. I is sad that things have got this way over the last say 10-15yrs. One point about the school hear they will hold back a child if they are not up to the level they should be at, as my daughter didn't do to well in the first grade and they suggested me hold her back(In which I did)as she was the youngest kid in her class. Now she is the oldest and doing much better. My step-daughter was doing great in school and they wanted to bump her a level as in the first grade she was testing at a 3rd grade level. I choose not to bump her up as she is with all her friends and she loves to help her school mates(wants to be the teacher).

[kranich]

I believe that as a taxpayer and citizen you have certain rights. I don't know all the in's and out's of it all. I would ask about alternative programs and maybe even get some legal help.

I am a father too and when I hear things like this my heart always goes out. Sometimes though being pro-active and putting on your fighting gloves is the best way to handle it.

Even yhough I do not know your real name I will add your family to my prayer list.