I believe that is exactly the kind of class that is not included in schools for kids today, retarded or not, and that is exactly the kind of evaluation that others will do to them every day for the rest of their lives.
Now apply this to the post above. Imagine taking some or most of the children off in the direction of autism in schools and giving them two new required classes, one in decision making/theory in the world they will live in and the other in acting/interpersonal skills (really interpersonal warfare) that will let them carry out the decisions they have made. Both those are the things that those kids (and all of us) will face on a daily basis every day for the rest of our lives.
I think that has the potential of changing the lives of people in the next generation in that category more than teaching them history or algebra, despite how much it pains me to say that.
How can we test that idea to see if I am wrong or not? And if it works then how can we get that to spread faster and further than Covid and dramatically help 5-15% of kids today? And if it works for them we might even consider teaching it to more than the low hanging autistic fruit. Do you know normal people around who could have benefitted from being taught to make better decisions and learn better interpersonal skills?
If anyone knows of anything related to this idea, in support of or opposition to this, I would dearly like to see it. Thank you
Please, write more about your thought process and the problem you're trying to solve. It greatly interests me, as the idea of restricting a child to only interact with autistic (and there are many different labels that would have the same effect) children is overwhelmingly alien to me.
My son is on the spectrum, what used to be called Asperger's. He does therapy with an Applied Behavior Analysis certified professional and also a group socialization therapy with half a dozen other kids. The group organizers mentioned they prefer the group to be diverse: not all kids have the same issues, so they can help each other. Other than that, the current wisdom here is that children on the spectrum should go to the same school/classes and participate in external activities as much as any other children, but have professionals helping bridge the necessary gaps (like the socialization group, or pedagogic helpers, or even food allergy managers).
Before being diagnosed, my son took classes which also had some other toddlers on the spectrum, one with Down Syndrome, etc. But it's always a diverse, inclusive group. I'd fight fiercely against any suggestions of restricting his social group to any kind/class of kids.
Of course, if other schools cannot provide him with the assistance he needs, you might not have much choice but to put him in "a kindergarten for autistic children". Ideally, you'd be considering what they offer, what he needs, and what other schools offer. This one might be the best. But IMO that makes you and the social system responsible for finding other venues where he can meet and play with other kids. Maybe if you explain that he will be effectively restricted to socialization with his classmates, it can change their suggestion? Maybe they have something extra to offer people who are in your situation (shouldn't be too uncommon)?
Because it's not just about "being taugh to socialize". He also need to have fun, to learn from example, to get frustrated and improve his abilities to deal with that. He will grow to be his own person, you know your role in this is so important that you cannot just go with the flow. So it's nice that you came to HN to discuss, but we're not adequately educated to offer the help you need. Also discuss with professionals and in parent forums (but beware the crazy ones).
There's a lot of data you can gather to help you choose a position and arguments to defend it at the meeting. Do you know people on the spectrum that went to schools like you mention? And do you know people on the spectrum who went to generalist schools? What do you get from their stories? What are the reasons for Denmark to choose this scheme? Are they focusing on the affected children, or in not inconveniencing the other pupils and their parents? What does the science say about this approach? What are your options for arranging playdates for your kid outside school and family?
I hope you have a good meeting, I kinda have high expectations from the social system in Denmark. Your son deserves going to a place where he can be his best self and grow.
I*m pretty sure that of course the statement will be that they are focusing on the affected children if asked directly, it is always about being able to get the help he needs, but things can be defined in one way while still having the other effect as well. Thus I was hoping for scientific research on methodologies and arguments for why one way or the other should be chosen. This is actually why I asked on HN, I figured there might be more people with knowledge of the spectrum who have done the scientific research in the past.
>I kinda have high expectations from the social system in Denmark
many people outside Denmark do, and are surprised when they arrive. Basically in Denmark to get something from the system you need to fight for it, and frankly the best people at fighting for what they want in Denmark are the native Danes who know what to say to other Danes to get their way. I'm a native Dane but brought up outside Denmark so effectively a foreigner, indeed I am nearly always introduced as an American (I am not very integrated so it is to some extent my own fault.)
You say you don't know about what I asked and if asked directly they'll justify as necessary focusing on the affected children. That doesn't help you much, maybe there's something already published you can find yourself and read to help figuring things out? What do Dane psychologists/neurologists say in articles they write? Are the comparisons of the different systems in Europe? You have to go a bit deeper to figure out what is best, reading about about autism is part of the package IMO. Some people[0][1] find that writing about it also helps.
Also, you're (going to be?) THE expert on your son and his needs, no doubt about that. So if you study a lot right now it'll help to make your case (and/or mind, if you haven't decided what's best yet) and get the assistance he needs sooner. You can be the best people at fighting for what your son needs, it's a necessary skill to have in the long run. Asking and caring about the best way shows you've already started on this journey.
Being somewhat of an outsider does complicate some things, but it also offers you perspective and that may be more important for you and your son in the long run. So don't blame yourself, try to adapt where you feel it's necessary and be comfortable where you feel it's your choice.
Lastly, be sure to also get the assistance YOU need. Professionals can help you develop skills to handle the stress and find the joy. Friends, volunteering, gaming, arts, sports, being outdoors, there are tons of activities that can help. Some of these will work for you, some won't, and some might even enhance your connection to your son.