Spare a thought then for her older brother who has an autistic spectrum disorder. His post-16 education is not at all guaranteed as there is no provision in the Doncaster borough for his disability.

His superb education at Rossington Hall continues, and then he will continue to Stone Hill (Anchorage) for his last few months of education. I now put it to Mr Winter and the LEA, then what?

Whitegates College in Worksop has strong links with Rossington Hall and has helped with the necessary provision with those more affected by autism.

Of course you need to gain a place first, and as autism is more recognised today Whitegates is becoming increasingly full.

Where is the provision in Doncaster? And where is the provision for my son whose abilities are beyond those at Whitegates but below those at mainstream Doncaster College?'

Unfortunately it is simply not that easy to take a person out of special education and expect him/her to conform to mainstream college and suddenly 'fit in'.

Thank goodness for those at Rossington Hall who are very much on the ball and will try their very best to support my son.

But of course what about those in mainstream education with autistic spectrum disorders?

The answer would be to build a post 16 block in the grounds of one of the new builds incorporating the teaching needed for differing abilities that are found on the autistic spectrum.

This is, of course, already set up at Rossington Hall.

Our vulnerable young adults are not getting what they deserve. They have a disability. It is their right and they are being ignored.

Come on Mr Winter and Doncaster LEA, Listen, open up your eyes, pull your socks up and catch up.

Sheffield has left us far behind in the provision their vulnerable children and adults get, does your schools for the future not include autistic young adults?

If, Ridgewood and Hungerhill are getting sixth forms then why not our vulnerable young adults?

Shame on you Mr Winter and your LEA.

Debbie Shaw
Fourth Avenue
Woodlands