Making autistic boy sit exam was 'mental torture'

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http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/free/Making-autistic-boy-sit-exam.5285657.jp

Making autistic boy sit exam was 'mental torture'

Date: 21 May 2009

By Vessey

A FURIOUS dad has accused a Doncaster primary school of " mentally tormenting "

and " humiliating " his autistic son by forcing him to sit maths SATs exams.

Mike Auckland-Down is outraged at Barnburgh Primary School's decision to make

his ten-year-old son take the national exams even though the youngster is

diagnosed as autistic and " statemented " as having special needs.

The dad-of-two, from Manvers Road, Mexborough, said his son returned from school

following the test in a highly distressed state and later broke down in tears.

He told his father he had understood little or nothing of the questions and felt

ashamed he could not stop crying throughout the exam.

Mr Auckland-Down, an international business adviser, told the Free Press this

episode was the latest in a catalogue of incidents at the school in which

's autism needs had not been met.

He said: " What is the purpose of 's statement if he's going to be put

through things like this?

" Barnburgh claims to be a school that is capable of handling autistic children

but has been mentally tormented with this ordeal and I cannot sacrifice

and his needs any more. Something has to be done. "

Mr Auckland-Down has now written to the school expressing his disgust at his

son's treatment.

In it he wrote: " is one child amongst many in Barnburgh, and his

qualities may be different, but they are qualities none the less. You simply

have to look.

" I am so shocked and disgusted with the callous disregard for my son and his

wellbeing that I demand in strongest terms action is taken. "

But despite his views, Mr Auckland-Down feels it would be against 's

interests to change schools.

He explained: " To change his environment and routine would be very distressing

and a real backwards step for , who has been at the school since he was

seven.

" We are in a genuine Catch 22 situation. We are damned if we do and damned if we

don't.

" is a lovely boy and there is very little outward sign of his problem

except an inability to learn, " he added.

In response, Barnburgh headteacher Rosie Baldock said: " All parents were aware

that the children would be taking SATs. has taken SATs and other exams

previously and his parents did not raise any concerns about him taking this

test.

" A teaching assistant was at 's side throughout the test assisting him. I

am currently discussing this issue with the parents and will aim to resolve it

as soon as possible through our school procedures.

" We at Barnburgh Primary School are committed to the education of all our

pupils, particularly those with autism. "

The Local Education Authority, Doncaster Council, said the concerns were a

matter for the school's governing body and then the Secretary of State.