News
October 23, 2025
DREW’S STORY: ‘We are not just managing behaviours at this point but real trauma, confusion, pain and exhaustion’
The parents of an 11-year-old Drummond School pupil who has autism explain how shortcomings at school resonate far beyond.
**DREW’S STORY: ‘We are not just managing behaviours at this point but real trauma, confusion, pain and exhaustion’**
The challenges faced by children with autism in mainstream education are often invisible, but for the parents of Drew, an 11-year-old attending Drummond School, the impact is painfully real. They say that shortcomings in how Drew's needs are met at school are creating ripples that extend far beyond the classroom, deeply affecting their family life.
Drew's parents are speaking out about what they describe as a system struggling to adequately support children with complex needs. They emphasize that what might appear as simple behavioral issues are often manifestations of deeper struggles. “We are not just managing behaviours at this point," they explain, "but real trauma, confusion, pain and exhaustion.” This statement encapsulates the emotional toll the situation is taking, not only on Drew, but on the entire family unit.
While they acknowledge the efforts of some individual staff members, they highlight systemic issues within the school that are hindering Drew's progress and well-being. These issues, they suggest, stem from a lack of resources, inadequate training, and a general misunderstanding of the specific needs of children on the autism spectrum.
The lack of appropriate support at school translates into increased difficulties at home. Drew's parents describe constant meltdowns, heightened anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The family finds themselves constantly navigating a complex web of emotions and behaviors, struggling to provide the support Drew needs while also managing their own well-being.
The situation underscores the importance of early intervention and tailored support for children with autism. When schools fail to provide the necessary resources and understanding, the consequences can be devastating for the child and their family. Drew's story serves as a powerful reminder that addressing the needs of autistic children requires a holistic approach, one that recognizes the underlying trauma, confusion, pain and exhaustion that can drive their behaviors. It is a call for greater awareness, increased resources, and a more compassionate and understanding approach to supporting children with autism within the education system.
The challenges faced by children with autism in mainstream education are often invisible, but for the parents of Drew, an 11-year-old attending Drummond School, the impact is painfully real. They say that shortcomings in how Drew's needs are met at school are creating ripples that extend far beyond the classroom, deeply affecting their family life.
Drew's parents are speaking out about what they describe as a system struggling to adequately support children with complex needs. They emphasize that what might appear as simple behavioral issues are often manifestations of deeper struggles. “We are not just managing behaviours at this point," they explain, "but real trauma, confusion, pain and exhaustion.” This statement encapsulates the emotional toll the situation is taking, not only on Drew, but on the entire family unit.
While they acknowledge the efforts of some individual staff members, they highlight systemic issues within the school that are hindering Drew's progress and well-being. These issues, they suggest, stem from a lack of resources, inadequate training, and a general misunderstanding of the specific needs of children on the autism spectrum.
The lack of appropriate support at school translates into increased difficulties at home. Drew's parents describe constant meltdowns, heightened anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The family finds themselves constantly navigating a complex web of emotions and behaviors, struggling to provide the support Drew needs while also managing their own well-being.
The situation underscores the importance of early intervention and tailored support for children with autism. When schools fail to provide the necessary resources and understanding, the consequences can be devastating for the child and their family. Drew's story serves as a powerful reminder that addressing the needs of autistic children requires a holistic approach, one that recognizes the underlying trauma, confusion, pain and exhaustion that can drive their behaviors. It is a call for greater awareness, increased resources, and a more compassionate and understanding approach to supporting children with autism within the education system.
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Politics