Come February and the rush for " reputed schools" is on and drawing room
discussion centres around which schooling are you looking at - mainstream
or inclusive or special school?
It is a different story that the so called reputed school is least
interested in your SEN child!
Knocking doors that refuse to open for your child with autism, do not
deserve your lovely child.
While law / RTE act may spell out that the school is " supposed " to accept
5% SEN children in its classrooms remains on paper only.
Why would I want my child in a school that refuses to empathise with my
child, bugs me.
But the decision to choose the right environment is very important. Yes,
each of the school setting is an environment.
It is important to realise that whatever decision you may take, is
completely dependent on the individual child. So what might be best for one
child won’t be best for another.
You may have chosen to keep your child in mainstream education. Because at
the moment he is happy and he is making friends and progressing even if
it's slow.
However, I feel one should be open to the idea of special school, so if he
becomes unhappy or just can’t manage in mainstream environment then Its
wiser to send him to a special needs school.
At special needs schools it may often be a lot less focused on academics
and more focused on creativity, life skills, and social skill building.
For many children these are the skills they need and can be provided for
them in a much less stressful and happier environment and on one on one
basis.
The staff understands your child better unlike in a mainstream school where
they have little knowledge of your child's needs.
Of course as with anywhere, some special schools are better than others and
it is important to visit several different places to find the one that
suits your child better.
But remember that the right school is the one that best supports YOUR
child, a place they can be happy and also encourages them to achieve their
goals. Whether this is in a mainstream or a special needs school hardly
matters !
The bottom line is eventually your child's happiness that matters!