My son has been to numerous schools. Suspended countless times. Primary School ASD SLP were extremely behaviour-focused, with a strong punitive and ABA approach that was ultimately traumatic for my son, and resulted in many meltdowns and exclusions from future activities. He was prevented from increased integration in mainstream classes, until he could fulfil certain behavioural requirements in a setting he found extremely triggering.
We have been called to many meetings, including in high school, with a well-regarded public-school Principal, along with several staff members and the education department. The meeting was delivered in an extremely heavy-handed, authoritarian manner, and was very traumatic for us as parents. It was made clear to us that our son would be better educated elsewhere.
Upon moving to a different catchment, the local catchment high school made it clear that they wouldn’t have the support necessary to give our son.
He is extremely gifted, rating high school level in a particular learning area when he was in year 2.
He now no longer attends school, and stays home, disengaged. We endeavour to provide him with the supports he needs. I am unable to work or commit to volunteering in the community.