Life with Aspergers is a roller coaster to say the least. Right now we are on a loop-de-loop that has my head spinning like the last time I rode Motazumas Revenge at Knott's Berry Farm.
A few weeks ago I went to the first IEP of the school year for my son. He is in his first year of junior high, and I have to say he has been doing GREAT! The school thinks differently. They do not like him there, and want him to go to a special education school. In his IEP it clearly states that I need to be called if there is a substitute teacher, Rex has a difficult time with change and a sub tends to spiral the day. The school did not call me until the situation had escalated to my son sitting in the Principals office threatening to harm himself, and of course suspended for 5 days. I was called AFTER all of this mess to arrive to see my son in a puddle of tears, fear, and confusion.
I am now faced with a son who loves his new junior high, but will not know if we are welcome until our emergency IEP on Thursday. After reflection I know that I will fight this. He belongs there, with regular kids, it is his right. He is off the charts smart, he just is different. How many of you parents with Aspergers kids have been down this rough road? The special education resource teacher that works with us has no idea of how to handle my child, yet most of his teachers adore him. I feel such anxiety about the approaching meeting.
Here I thought this year was going to be different. Nope. Different faces, same battles.TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
Kerry Lauerman
Joan Walsh
Salon.com
Comments
rated.
I had a series of IEP and parent-teacher meetings a couple of weeks ago....my son had just announced with quiet finality that I shouldn't worry about his grades this year (honestly, grades are the least of my worries!), he was planning to flunk and do over 6th grade anyway "when he was ready." I believe this was the second week of school? Anyway, we did figure out some new strategies for teachers, my son, and myself, and we're somewhat starting to pull out of that early-school-year funk. It is terrible, though, to contemplate the struggles that lie ahead for him, for me....and yes, for the teachers, this year. I try to indulge in a healthy bit of denial from time to time to give myself a break :-)
Wishing you fortitude and strength. And hoping that the school will come 'round to working with you and your son.