For any parent a child starting school is a big milestone, one that comes with lots of concerns and sometimes even stress. When you have a child with special needs that worry only doubles.
I feel that we have been talking about Ethan starting school for a very long time. As soon as he was diagnosed with Autism in 2013 we started to look at his schooling options. Both mainstream and special needs schools were visited and there were many discussions. Unfortunately as much as you like to think you will be able to choose where your child goes to school the decision lands in the lap of fate and a panel that have never met your child.
We were given one piece of advise when Ethan was diagnosed, ‘Be prepared to fight!’
Fight I did and fate was on our side, Ethan was given a place at the special needs school of our choice.
Ethan’s peers started school in September 2014 but because our school like to admit the children on the term of their 5th birthday, Ethan finally started school at the beginning of April.
He has now been attending school for two and a half weeks and it has been a shock to all of our systems.
We have had to overcome a few obstacles in this time, the first being the school bus.
The first day of using the bus was heartbreaking, we prepared Ethan as much as we could about school but the bus routes are made up at the last-minute. Darren had to place him on the bus amongst lots of kicking and screaming, not really how you want the first day of school to start.
We also have to work on food, which will always be an ongoing battle. Ethan is able to choose his own meals at school which is a new thing for him but he has been choosing things and then not eating them. To help, I marked up all of the menu choices with what I knew he wouldn’t eat so that they could guide him if needed. Unfortunately Ethan likes to make me out to be a liar and his fail safe pasta meal was refused and he picked and ate a different option!
I love that he is now having this choice but we make sure we feed him a big breakfast and have dinner a little earlier now just in-case he is hungry.
We have seen an increased amount of meltdowns and tears over these past weeks but we were expecting that as he gets used to the change.
All reports suggest that Ethan is very happy in school and it sounds like he is really being put to the test with what he knows. Even though there are a few hurdles to overcome I’m so happy that Ethan has a placement at this school.
Ahh it sounds like things are going well….I hope getting onto the bus has improved and been a little easier for you all….
I think it will be a while before getting on the bus is easy but he has made it more of a joke lately x
Aww bless him, sounds like it is going pretty well. There was always going to be challenges and no doubt there will be more to come over the years but thank goodness he is in the right school as hopefully that will help! Hugs hon xx
I’m so glad he has a place there. I can really relax and enjoy it, I don’t think I could of if he went somewhere else x
Oh Jane, it’s such a big time for you all, I can hardly believe that Monkey has been in school for 7 months now. Trust me, food with all kids is interesting when they start school, like you we have breakfast and I cook a meal for the two of us every evening anyway. Monkey has eaten new potatoes tonight for the first time ever – apparently he’s had them at school and now likes them.
I hope the bus becomes easier for him and he flourishes xx SSAA
Thank you. Food will always be a battle for us and he always surprises me with his choices x
Hello there, what a great post, and I am so glad to hear he is progressing well and overcoming the obstacles which can come with change. Wishing you all the best for the school journey xxx #ssamazingachievements
Thank you. I can’t wait to see how far we have come this time next year. I really hope school will help him progress x
I’m so glad to hear that it’s going well (more or less) and hopefully as it becomes routine and more normal the initial teething troubles will fade!
I hope so, it is a massive change for all of us and just as we get used to it it will be the summer holidays lol
I know from Miss S how being in the right placement is a massive thing, so pleased you got the place you wanted for him
Thank you, I know we are so lucky to have this placement. I know it is the best place for him x
He’ll get there 🙂 and if the school are saying he’s happy then that’s a good thing. It’s a big change and it sounds to me as if you are all doing really well 😀
Thank you. I think he really enjoys school, I know he loves the routine. We can work on the bus ;0) x
Oh it did make me chuckle about the food options and him choosing something unexpected! There is never a dull moment!
Seriously though, glad he’s in a setting appropriate for him and his needs and you’re getting positive feedback.
The bus issues should involve in time, it’s a massive part of his day for him to overcome. Do they say whether he protests getting in to come home? I’ve had a visual idea which might help if he does, will email you x #SSAmazingAchievements
Improve not involve