This week I have had parents ask me for help with their child and ask for an assessment to be undertaken for potential autism. The child excels in school, no behaviour issues whatsoever and is a pleasure to teach (from what I’ve been told) with no real symptoms apparent.

Members of staff have told me they don’t believe there is any issue in school and the problems may well lie with the parents. It is possible they could be right. However, you must never dismiss the claims of a parent just because the child doesn’t present with issues in school.

The child comes to school and spends all day in a structure filled routine surrounded by adults who are trained to educate in a controlled manner. This can be enough to hide or mask any potential symptoms. At home, is where the child may struggle away from this environment.

Please always keep this in mind when you talk to parents and families. No matter how fussy or needy parents may appear, we must remember sometimes they come to us because they have nowhere else to turn and want help themselves.