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Students with disabilities in mainstream schools

Parent story: What a fantastic school

Our son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at the age of four. Living in the country has made it hard to access services but thankfully, we have found a wonderful primary school with dedicated staff and a school environment that is extremely positive and caring.

After much soul-searching, we decided to send our son to a small rural school that was half-an-hour from our home. What a fantastic school we found! The school environment was one of total support for both my son and our family.

Being a teacher, I always had the feeling that my son would not be funded for an aide, as his needs are not high enough. Even though this was the case, the school still employed an aide to work in the classroom. My son’s teacher is always open to suggestions and is as jubilant as we are when he learns a new concept. The aide is always enthusiastic and focused on presenting all the children in her class with every possible opportunity to learn.

All the staff see my son for who he is and not ‘that autistic child in prep’. They realise that he sees things a little differently and that his needs are different. The support we have received from the school and their willingness to listen to any ideas we have has been wonderful. The principal is very down to earth and I know I can approach him any time with any concerns.
 
The school environment allows our son to learn to the best of his ability at all times. By tapping into my son’s obsessive behaviour, the teachers are able to get him to work and then reward him using one of his obsessions, for example, having time on the computer.

It is because of the nurturing school environment that my son has persisted in trying to write. He has poor muscle tone in his wrists and hands and finds writing extremely difficult. But with much positive reinforcement and encouragement, his writing has improved and he wants to write.

Of course, there are days when my son is tired or everything is just too much. This is recognised and he is able to have quiet time. Each staff member and child at my son’s school needs to be recognised for the fantastic way they have supported him. The school commitment to our son is always positive and so the experience he is having at school is the best he can possibly have.

Parent

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