Inclusion/Mainstreaming..... from Autism Discussion Page- this is my kid!

from Autism Discussion Page: Inclusion/Mainstreaming " In theory it is great. However, it works well only if the right resources are there to support your child. Many school districts implement the model, but know very little about autism, and do not know how to support them, or cannot adequately fund the resources.

I have seen some children blossom in inclusion, and others withdraw and regress. If the child does not feel "safe, accepted, and competent" in the classroom, he may withdraw and shut down, or possibly even meltdown or act out.

If the child doesn't feel safe and accepted, he/she will frequently shut down during class (may even seem fine behaviorally) and then meltdown once he gets home."