The IEP went as well as I expected.  We went over the triggers that seem to set Rex off, like a substitute teacher, arguing when he is upset, and how he responds to criticism.  His teachers agreed that if possible I would be contacted if there was a sub, and the administrators added that they too would assist when a substitute was in the classroom.  Great, we are all on the same page.  We also all agreed to allow Rex to cool off when he got frustrated.  Rex is to be sent to the office where we had established a 'safe zone' for him to relax, and when he felt ready, return to his classroom.  Super, everyone on the same page so far.  We talked about the nose picking and his need to bring a toy airplane to class.  I had the Special Education specialist (I use this term SO loosely since she is a little  a lot out of touch) ask me if I ever thought of asking Rex to keep the airplanes at home?  Hummm..really I NEVER thought that all I had to do was ASK Rex to stop bringing the airplanes and then his classmates would suddenly stop making fun of him.  I was also asked if I ever considered getting him interested in joining the Air Force or Navy since he is so knowledgeable about airplanes and military history.   I know Special Education educators are overwhelmed, but in this day and age of Autism spectrum disorders so prevalent there is a need to be knowledgeable. this poor woman just appeared to be lost.  We established that I can and should be called at anytime, that I was a mere five minutes away, and that Rex should be allowed to call me if he needed to.  Fantastic.  His teachers are amazing, out of the four teachers he sees daily, all four were pretty happy with him.  None had issues in the classroom that were difficult to handle on their own.  His band teacher had established a protocol with him in regards to the airplanes and nose picking that worked for both of them.  Awesome.  His English and history teacher, who is clearly and Aspie himself, adores my son and loves his perspective that Rex brings to his classroom.  Rex is excelling in his class.  Math class has been going fine.  His teacher allows him to doodle since Rex clearly gets the concepts and finishes his work.  Great.  Classroom time seems to be going well.  I left the meeting feeling pretty positive.  Sure his Special Ed teacher is a ding dong, but he only checks in with her for 15 minutes a week.  His teachers were all awesome, and the Principal appeared to understand.  That was two weeks ago.

Everything changed this Friday.