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Ernieee
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Joined: 21 Nov 2015
Age: 38
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Location: Uk

21 Nov 2015, 10:43 am

I have a 9 year old son with asd and he has recently started a specialist school which I had hoped would be able to work with him more effectively then his previous one.
Yesterday I had a call at work from the school asking me to pick him up. My first reaction was that as a specialist school they assured me they could deal with his meltdowns..? however they bit back saying there is a limit and if I didn't come they would be calling the police. This was the only information I was provided. So obviously I drove the 40 mile journey to collect him. After speaking to the headmistress and his teacher I was told that they thought he was poorly in the morning and that had he meltdown and lashed out whilst they were trying to restrain him. No one had any injuries and by the time I got there he was in his classroom working. (The teacher even told me not to be too hard on him..?) I understand that sometimes children need to be sent home but what I am shocked at is their suggestion to call the police to remove for what they called a moment where he was under emotional strain. Surely he police would make it worse.
I didn't bring it up at the school as I was upset at overwhelmed at the time by it all but on reflection I am nervous to send him back if they believe that sending a 9 year old boy who has not just educational needs but emotional needs too is an acceptable solution.
I was hoping for some advice on this situation. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.



Tawaki
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21 Nov 2015, 1:21 pm

You need to really read the disciplinary actions in the school/district student hand book. It should give a break down of what offensives get what corrective action. Also look over ANY paper work you signed, especially that you read over the student conduct book. If you come loaded for bear, they will pull out that form saying you knew all about their policies.

At in my district, if a child injuries a student or teacher (think work men's comp), they can be removed for the day. If a legal guardian can not pick the child up, the police is called.

Why? Some parents don't want to be bothered (not you, I am not talking about you), and will let the kid sit in the office all day. School is not a baby sitting service.

So to move the parent who doesn't cares butt to come get their kid, the threat of police action hangs over their heads. It's not because the kid needs a cop there, it's because some parents flat out don't care, and it is written into the policy as a CYA for the school. My teacher friend had a kid get removed from class for behavior issues. Mom didn't want to deal with her kid until school ended, so she came about 40 minutes after school let out. The kid was an absolute trainwreck in the office. Her school used to do wiggle room about parental pick up in those situations, but after that they just play hard ball with the parents. Some parents are jerks. (Not you)

Also remember "meltdown" is a subjective term. What you think isn't so bad, maybe beyond the pale for someone else.

Hugs...I hope your son is doing better today.