As a parent, I took the difficult decision to remove Sam from the education system at the end of 2022. As an incredibly bright child, who could happily sit and discuss evolution with you for hours, he never had meaningful access to the early years education that provides the foundational knowledge children need, and subsequently he quickly fell behind his peers. 

When Sam went to a Special Needs School 4 years ago, it was considered he was about a year behind in his education, in areas such as spelling, writing, reading & maths. At the age of 11 he is now about 3-4 years behind, suggesting in those 4 years he has barely progressed in the core elements within an environment that is designed to help him.

Is it really Special Needs Education, or just somewhere convenient to put all the awkward kids so the mainstream schools can get the grades, and ultimately, funding they need to keep operating?

As a society, we have come a long way in accepting and understanding individuals with autism. However, when it comes to educating these children, there still exists a gap in providing them with the resources and environment they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Mainstream and special needs schools, while well-intentioned, are often not good enough in providing a meaningful education to autistic kids who have the ability to learn.

Challenges within the Mainstream Education System for Autistic Children:

• Inadequate Special Education Services: Many schools lack adequate special education services and resources, making it difficult for children with autism to receive the support they need.
• Lack of Understanding: Teachers, staff, and other students may not understand autism, leading to misunderstandings and difficulties for the child.
• Bullying: Children with autism are often targets of bullying and exclusion from peers, which can have a negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
• Overcrowded Classrooms: Overcrowded classrooms can make it difficult for children with autism to concentrate and receive individual attention.
• Rigid Curriculum: A rigid curriculum may not accommodate the needs of children with autism, leading to frustration and a lack of engagement in learning.

One of the main issues with special needs schools is that they often lack the resources and funding to properly support their students. This can result in a lack of individualised attention and support for each student, hindering their ability to learn and reach their full potential. Additionally, many special needs schools use outdated teaching methods that are not effective for children with autism. This can lead to frustration and disinterest in learning, causing students to disengage and miss out on important educational opportunities.

Furthermore, special needs schools often operate in isolation from the general education system, creating a barrier between autistic students and their non-autistic peers. This lack of integration can limit the social and emotional development of autistic students, as well as limiting their exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. This can also perpetuate negative stereotypes and misconceptions about autism, further hindering the inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism in society.

Another issue with special needs schools is that they often focus on developing life skills and functional skills, rather than academic skills. While these skills are important, they are not enough to provide a meaningful education to children with autism who have great ability to learn. These children have unique talents and interests, and should have the opportunity to explore and develop these abilities in a meaningful and supportive way.

In order to provide a meaningful education to autistic kids who have the ability to learn, we need to move away from the traditional special needs school model and focus on inclusive education. Inclusive education involves integrating children with autism into mainstream classrooms, where they have the opportunity to learn alongside their neure-typical peers. This not only helps to develop social and emotional skills, but also provides students with access to a wider range of resources and support.

In order to make inclusive education a reality, we need to address the challenges that can arise when integrating children with autism into mainstream classrooms. This can include a lack of understanding and support from teachers and classmates, as well as a lack of accommodations for individual needs. However, with proper training and support, inclusive education can be a successful and enriching experience for both autistic and non-autistic students.

In conclusion, I do not believe special needs schools are good enough to provide a meaningful education to autistic children who have the capacity to learn. These children deserve the same opportunities and resources as their non-autistic peers, and inclusive education is the key to making this a reality. By integrating children with autism into mainstream classrooms, we can break down barriers, increase understanding and acceptance, and provide a meaningful and enriching educational experience for all.