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When does an 'unfamiliar' journey become 'familiar'?

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1 year 2 months ago #283015 by happy times
My 16yo son has autism. He gets the bus to his dads each week, and has done for nearly 4 years, but is still not able to do this journey alone.
But, he can now get the bus to school himself, but this has taken over 4 years of daily practice with someone with him for him to get to this point, and he still has occasional issues if there are changes e.g. bus cancelled or diverted (he continues just waiting, so I have to pick him up), or if he has to interact e.g. got kicked off bus for being 'aggressive' when he had to speak to driver, even though he didn't realise he was coming across as aggressive (he uses bus pass and headphones to avoid interaction).
I am wondering if you think descriptor 'f' 'Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person' should apply?

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1 year 2 months ago #283027 by BIS
Hi happy times

He may be able to do one 'familiar journey', but he is at risk and vulnerable if there are any changes - especially if someone thinks he is being aggressive and he needs support. In the time that he has been able to master the school journey partially, he still can't get to his father's home, which he travels to weekly and needs support. I don't know whether he can do any other 'familiar journeys' such as go to a shop or walk to a park or a friend's house, but if it was my relative, I would still be saying that he can't do a familiar journey if that is true in the majority of cases and the majority of the time. His vulnerability and safety are key here.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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1 year 2 months ago #283034 by happy times
Hi BIS,
Thank you for your advice it has really helped. He doesn't really go anywhere else regularly, and any other trips e.g. to GP, then I have to take him.
Thank you again :)
The following user(s) said Thank You: Chris

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