Autism Spectrum Disorders

My son started on Monday. I had high hopes. Really high hopes. We met with his teacher last week, and we instantly liked her. Accommodating, flexible, smart, and enjoyable. Key essentials for a good teacher who is regular ed but has a special ed student. (And can I say there are still times that the word "special ed" makes my stomach flip? Four and a half years later?)

His problem lies in that he has an aide, there to guide him during social situations. Last year it was so bad, he was left out, teased, lonely, you name it, so the aide started handling more social issues with him, providing guidance so he learns how to fit in, and stepping in to prevent him from being hassled/bullied or whatever else could happen. Sounds great, right? Yep, except that he doesn't like the idea that others now see he's standing out as a kid who needs an aide. Already this week, he told the aide to leave him alone and that mom was going to essentially fire her.

Sigh.

Dh is out of state on business again, two weeks this time, and I'm exhausted. He's been really high maintenance and I had to practically drag him into class this morning. And we're only on day three!

How's everyone else's year going so far? If you're not in school yet, are you prepping your child?

My son goes back to school on August 27th, so he has two weeks of summer vacation left... and I hope they go by quickly! It's been a fairly boring vacation for us this year, and I think he has been getting more and more bored the past couple of weeks. Although I WILL miss him when he goes back, it will be nice to have some peace and quiet while he is in school! He goes to a private school for kids on the Spectrum, so he SHOULD have the same teacher and at least a few of the same kids in his classroom. I'm just nervous about any new kids with behaviors that will be starting in his class... I understand that kids on the Spectrum typically have some behaviors, but last year there was a boy in his class who REALLY needed to be in a more structured class due to his behaviors. Even though several parents complained, they didn't move him. IF that happens again this year, I will have to consider home schooling or going back to our public home school... neither of which are very appealing! (Our public school is supposed to be one of the best in the county... too bad I have to pay taxes to a school that had no interest in helping my son... who is very high functioning and a very sweet kid with NO behaviors to speak of... Sigh.)

But be glad that your son can have an aide (assuming you don't have to pay for her!). My son's school does NOT provide an aide unless needed for serious medical reasons. Our school has classes specifically for Spectrum or other communication delayed kids, but my son is considered too high functioning to fit into those classes. Did you try asking the aide to take a step back and try to let your son figure things out on his own for a while? It's great that he doesn't want to be seen as different from the other kids. Maybe she will be more helpful by being less conspicuous.

Jean (and Jacob, age 8)

Update! Update! ;)   Okay, so I'm a bit hopeful....it's been a really long week.

I spoke with the admin and the aide is going to step back and be available if he needs help but not hover. We really like her, so I approached it gently. She's doing her job wonderfully, but we think it may be time for him to try a different approach. Today's the first day, so we'll see!

So far, only one parent has complained about his behaviors, but honestly, I won't move him even if more were to complain. Right now, we're dealing with two different neighbors who constantly complain about my son, and being oh so polite, I won't say here what I'd like to tell them to do! We are going to be moving but until then, he needs to let his parents parent him and no one else. Seriously, such a long week and I'm hesitant when he plays outside because others can be so mean. :(

We've been lucky with the aide situation -- there's not a lot of mainstreamed autistic kids here and he was having enough issues that they offered it so we didn't have to fight.

Have a good weekend!!

Lily