Hello,
We are seriously considering pulling our 16-year-old AS son from public school. Even though he's in a special program for high-functioning autistic kids, he still struggles and has high anxiety. Most of the problems are because he can't get along with the other kids, and can't control disruptions and blurting out in class. Has anyone made use of an online high school to finish a diploma? We found some that look really good, are accredited, and will accept most of his credits. He can work at home, at his own pace, and take as long as he likes. It sounds really good but we'd like to hear frome someone who has actually done it. Thanks for any help or suggestions!
Before I took him out of school, I'd make sure he got a complete check up with a child/adolescent psychiatrist who specializes in autism. Significant anxiety is nearly universal in ASD kids, especially adolescents. And our kids have fewer skills for dealing with anxiety and more stress because of poor social skills. This may be a time to seriously consider some medication. There are lots of meds that help with significant anxiety. IMHO, the more we isolate our ASD kids, the less they will learn to deal with the outside world. In just a couple of years, your son will need to be out in the working world, dealing wish a boss and co-workers. Unless he gets real help now, even if that includes anti-anxiety meds, he will not be able to deal later on. It's likely his current school placement is not appropriate, but that doesn't mean there is NO school placement that is appropriate. Of course, he may already be on meds, in which case they may have to be adjusted. Or you may be totally against using medication. However, it's imperative to figure out a way to help him reduce his anxiety, meds or not, so that he CAN stay included in society.