From the age of 3 my son had language & understanding problems by the time he left his primary school he had been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum.
At 11 he was lucky enough to go to White Lodge. We were very concerned as to how he would cope and mix with others. He settled very well after a few issue which we laugh at now. (Underwear is the same as pants and socks and it goes for washing on Tuesdays & Thursdays )
His main problem was with vocational staff not understanding his special needs which was very difficult. He also had a problem picking up combinations quickly. He was assessed out after year 9. He was devastated. But still determined to dance.
He was offered scholarship places for Tring and Elmhurst and he chose to go to Elmhurst.
He still struggled, and we had one particular ballet teacher who was not the best at understanding any of the boys, let alone one with SN. He is no longer at the school.
There were staff that were very switched on and our thanks go out to Mr Pickford, Mr Kelly, & Mrs Morton for there support.
But Ds continued to struggle with being quick enough to pick up the combinations and we were always on edge come assessment time. But as he got older he learnt where his weakness were and how best to deal with it.
So although a little late developing compared to his peers and staying on at Elmhurst for an extra term (he was offered an extra year) but at this point he was offered a ballet company in America, which he took. 3 day after his 20th birthday he flew alone to America.
He is enjoying himself, looking after himself and we are so very proud of what he has achieved.
If I'm honest the whole vocational training was hell for us as parents but with Ds determined to dance we had to support him.
ASD kids can do this but be prepared for a rough ride (but then it's not easy for any kid choosing this Vocation).
Annie
