Adam’s story

A young person with autism who struggled with the move from primary to secondary schooling

Adam was nearing the end of Year 6 when His Occupational Therapist became involved. He had recently been diagnosed with autism but because he is a bright boy, his challenges had largely been missed throughout his primary schooling. As is the case for many autistic children, he had been able to ‘muddle through’ but the transition to a large secondary school was going to be tricky. Time was short to prepare for this move. The Occupational Therapist completed a full assessment of Adam’s functional skills, while other support was put in place to support him and his parents at home. Emma hurriedly submitted written advice and recommendations for the new school’s SENCO to put in place.

When Adam started his new school the Occupational Therapy advice was reinforced at a meeting with school staff. Adam coped for the first couple of weeks and even went on school camp (his parents had to take him on a separate visit to prepare him for the journey, the layout, the sleeping arrangements, the toilets and the dining room). Soon afterwards the situation at school started to deteriorate and before long, Adam was experiencing anxieties that became so significant that he was unable to attend. Adam’s parents were supported to apply for an EHCP and a new school was found. It was at this stage that an Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist was introduced to Adam. It was clear that a gradual, ‘baby steps’ approach was needed if this school placement was going to succeed and lots of support to build resilience, self-confidence and preparation was needed. Adam and the Advocacy & Support Specialist formed a good relationship and this support was able to build.

Adam is now attending school for much of the school day but his parents have not felt that support at school is as it should be. The Local Authority has now asked Now, Next & Then to step back in to ensure the best sensory environment is created for Adam so that his strengths and challenges are optimally accommodated and he can start to build on his many achievements.

• Adam’s Parents •

“We first met Now, Next & Then about 4 years ago when the Occupational Therapist got involved with our family and our autistic son. For years we had known something wasn’t quite right and eventually after a lot of hard work, we finally got a diagnosis of high functioning ASD. However, as many parents will now realise – a diagnosis is just the first step. Our family had been through an awful lot; having an autistic child is not easy. Finding professionals who can help is even harder. The Occupational Therapist understood what we were all going through and with her understanding of all the sensory elements and motor skills we finally started to get somewhere. Life for our son is not easy but with the OT and then the Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist’s help we feel that we are getting there.”

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