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Hi all. My son has a diagnosis of ADHD and ASD, he is very able academically however he has displayed challenging behaviour towards members of school staff in his mainstream school - kicking and hitting usually when trying to leave the school building. He has been excluded a few times over the last academic year (total 11 1/2 days). Very unhelpful acting head teacher would not recognise any diagnosis and treated all issues as bad behaviour, eventually suggested we slip medication into his juice without telling him as son had refused to take it. I had to keep reminding him of the diagnosis and his duty to access extra support but felt like I was banging my head against a wall. New head teacher has been brilliant, very understanding and proactive regarding additional support but time has been against us as she started half way through the year. Since June 1st he has shown improvment due to starting medication and autism strategies being put in place but his current school no longer feel able to have him there as some teachers have threatened union action if he remains there. Statement process has started but due to school term ending I feel unable to visit many alternative schools to consider if they could meet son's needs. LEA have suggested a BESD school which also has children on the autistic spectrum. I was impressed by the teacher and deputy head but found the head teacher very rude and negative. I already had concerns regarding a BESD school as I feel my son has displayed challenging behaviour due to poor management of his ASD needs. I feel the situation with current school has broken down but I now struggle with finding an alternative school in time for the next term. I have visited an ASD specifc unit in a mainstream school and asked education panel to consider this as an option but was told it is not suitable due to my son's challenging behaviour. Possible PDA has been mentioned as a reason however other professionals disagree with this as a diagnosis. Can ASD children be supported and educated well in a BESD school? I am concerned son will be vulnerable to bullying as he says exactly what he thinks at all times - during visit child said he wanted to shoot down a police helicopter and son went on about people being hurt and how naughty this would be for 2 days! Alternative schools in the North East area suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks