(UK) Flintshire parent decries lack of school services; 'proper [autism] training' needed

Oct 12, 2019, The Leader: Flintshire mum slams 'lack of education' among local schools over autism https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17964516.flintshire-mum-slams-lack-education-among-local-schools-autism/ CONCERNS have been raised about the readiness of Flintshire schools in dealing with autistic pupils. A Flintshire resident and mum of a boy with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) told the Leader that she wants 'no one else to be what I've been through' regarding her child's school experiences. The woman, who wishes for her and her son to remain anonymous, said for the first time in his life her son is happy at school having recently joined what she says is 'one of the three schools in Flintshire which are suited to dealing with autistic pupils'. This follows a six year battle with what she says are 'uneducated' schools on suitably dealing with children with autism. Her son's condition means he is particularly susceptible and sensitive to noise - which can cause him great pain and anxiety. She said: "The last school he was at refused to sort out ear defenders (which work to protect the wearer from loud noises) so I got him myself. "But the school wouldn't let him wear them, with the teacher saying 'it's not loud in the class' - they may well have been the case for the teacher, you or me - but my son can be affected by so much as the clock ticking. "This is a prime example of the lack of the education about autism and its variants commonly seen in local schools…. The source says 'schools have to be much more ready' and that staff need 'proper training' on autism, and she says there is a clear lack of teaching assistants in classroom - meaning the support network isn't there…. Asked if she had contemplated enrolling her child in a special school, she said it would be better if they could find a mainstream school which simply catered for his needs…. "I'd call on Flintshire Council to do more educate teaching staff - the system is letting children down."… "The county also provides an inclusion outreach service which supports schools in developing their practice in relation to a range of special educational needs. Support for ASD strategies in schools remains an ongoing priority.”