Autism, GSCE and the Navy

GCSE years are often described as the most important of a young person’s school life. For Navy children with SEND, that pressure can be harder to manage when family routines change week to week. We spoke to 16-year-old Alex about their experience.

Hi Alex, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Alex and I’m 16 years old. I live with my mum and my dad is in the Navy. He works away in the week and comes home some weekends. I have autism, and I need routine to stay calm and focused. I’m in Year 11 and have my GCSEs coming up this year.

What is life like for you at the moment?

It’s not that dramatic, but it’s tiring. My dad being away in the week means things feel different depending on whether he’s home or not. When he comes back at weekends, routines change again. I love seeing him, but it can throw me off when I’m trying to revise or stay in a rhythm.

How does that affect you during GCSE year?

GCSEs need consistency. I need to know when I’m revising, when I’m resting, and what my week looks like. When routines keep shifting, it’s harder to concentrate and easier to get overwhelmed. People assume it’s fine because he comes home sometimes, but the change still affects me.

How does SEND impact your exam preparation?

I find it hard to switch tasks and manage pressure. When my routine changes, my anxiety goes up and my focus goes down. I don’t always look stressed on the outside, but inside my head feels noisy and crowded. Catching back up after a disrupted week is really hard.

What helps when things feel overwhelming?

Having time out helps, and knowing there’s an adult I can talk to without getting in trouble. Writing things down or listening to music helps me calm down. It also helps when teachers understand that my mum being away affects how I feel, even if it doesn’t look like it on the outside.

What helps you manage all of this?

Having clear plans helps, like knowing exactly when I’m revising and when I can stop. Quiet time helps too. It also helps when teachers understand that my home routine isn’t always stable, even if nothing “bad” is happening.

What do you wish school understood about Navy teens with SEND?

I wish they understood that it’s not just deployments that matter. Living with constant routine changes affects how we cope, especially during exams. We’re not making excuses — we’re trying to keep going in a situation that keeps shifting.

What would success look like for you this year?

Doing my best without burning out. I don’t need perfect grades — I need to get through GCSEs feeling like I wasn’t pushed past what I could manage.