First Days of School on the Autism Spectrum - What's Happening for Your Child?
Truth is, we fought the system for five years, and then decided we'd all be better served (and much happier) if we simply took our marbles and went home.
Many parents don't have the option of homeschooling. Others have more stamina for the fight than we did, and are working through meetings, conflicts, due process and even litigation to get their child a good public education. Then, of course, there are folks who feel their child's public education is working very well, thank you!
Right now, I'm putting together all the bits and pieces of Tom's homeschool program. There are many that are still a bit up in the air, but I'm confident it'll all come together in the long run. We're excited about studying birds (we plan to go birding, read about birds, collect bird feathers, do research on a bird of choice, and much more). After that, it's on to other subjects.
What are you doing as the school year begins? Are you confident that your child with autism is going to a good setting where he or she will build skills and feel valued? If not, why not? Will you fight for more - or are you considering private or homeschool options?
Share your thoughts at the start of school!
Comments
My kid started August 25th, so he’s had one full week. The night before school stated, we had a real sleepless night. When he came home from school I could hardly believe my eye…. he fell asleep on his bed! I have tried many things to wear that kid out over the years and here he was, first day of 3rd grade, pooped out.
The school has a big open house party the week prior and this is the first year we did not meet the new teacher ahead of this party. I know he’s in a good setting, my only issue is no daily note the first week, ever. At least this year the teachers readily send home their contact info. I also had no clue what was home work and what wasn’t. So, we tried to do it all. This is a transition year, where kids are suppose to be more independant, know what to bring home, and what not to. So far I see no help with organization LOL!
I hope everyone has a great school year for their kiddo’s
My son went to his first day of big boy school…kindergarten. On Day 2 he passed out as well.
I always have in mind that at some point I may have to homeschool. I going to put forth the good faith into the public school first. We are lucky that we were able to choose our public school and the school so far has been great. The school is based on an inclusive model. He is in a regular class, but goes to get extra academic help a couple of times a day and there are assistants in the classroom. He isn’t doing too bad, but is having a hard time following group instruction and staying in his seat. I have been getting emails from the teachers and therapists and we had a meeting after the first week to work on a plan to get him in his seat an productive. It is great because we are a team and everyone’s goal is the same. So far…so good.
We tried the public school route for years also, but have come to find out that they will not give the kids what they need. Their answer is to lock them in padded rooms for ‘danger to themselves and others’ and let the academics go by the wayside. They spend so much energy on trying to make the kids conform to their way instead of truly just giving them what they need to succeed.
We are also going the homeschool route and enrolled in one of the virtual academy’s.
The way I look at it is, it will probably take less time to homeschool than it does to ‘fight the system’
Hi, My Son Zachary started his Fifth Grade this year. He has been at this school for three years, its public. I must say, three days into it and he has had headaches daily and yet seems happy, but when gets home he is I hate it.
I and the teacher are so worried about LIfe Science, Current Events and even Sex Ed. My son has a emotional level of a 4-6 year old, he turns 10 in one week. I am at a point where, yes he has the IEP, the modified this and that, but when do they realize he can’t emotionally keep up with his peers. He can’t be a 10-11 year old boy. He can’t even remember to brush his teeth. I am so frustrated and sad.
Signed: What to do when they hit Fifth Grade????
I know how that feels. My son is ten years old and in fourth grade. He has Downs Syndrome and Autism. He has speech issues, and can only speak maybe 36 words total. Yet they keep trying to give him grade level homework. They have already held him back once, and they told us they can legally hold him back 2 years in elementary. How can they expect him to do the work if he can’t even talk? We are starting to fight the school system now. The school said there’s not much more they can do for him. We’re frustrated and we can’t seem to find any help because we’re in such a rural area. I feel for you, because we’re in the same boat.
New resource classroom, new sped teacher, new aide for second grade. Days one and two he refused to use the bathroom nearest his classroom and wet his pants. First time he’s had such an accident in 2 years! Too much newness. It will be easy to improve on this experience! Don’t even get me started on how they’ve ignored our “stay put” on the rejected IEP!
My 5yr old Ryan just started kidnegarden last week. He was already in pre-school at the school and on an IEP. So far, all going well.
He doesn’t like to get up early, because he has sleep issues. Sometimes he says he wants to go, but mostly he says he wants to stay home. I’m very worried how he will do academically. We are still working on abc’s and writing is torture. Trying to get him to sit still to work on stuff is very trying.
I understand and feel for you all. Good luck
this school year.