A Mind of My Own
Posted by Gail | Filed under Autism
Chapter Eight: Advocating At School (Part 2)
In the five months I home-schooled Malcolm, he grew by leaps and bounds. We worked on vocabulary, pushed his math (we conquered long-multiplication and division along with mixed fractions), ventured into geography and worked on comprehension like mad fiends. He did attend school part-time; at the principal’s suggestion he attended in the afternoon from 1-3 for activities like gym, art, music, drama, specifically for the socialization benefits. It worked well for both Malcolm and myself.
In the summer of that year, our family moved from the city to the country. I hunted around for a school that I found acceptable for my children and then headed off to meet with the principal. Man, what a find. Not only was she open to me as a resource for my child, she had a bias to action that ensured that any suggestion I came to her with was followed up lickety-split. Mary Beth is still one of the best principals I’ve come across not only for her knowledge and expertise but for her heart.
In my initial meeting with her, the conversation focused on Alex. My daughter is a pretty smart girl and I wanted to make sure she’d be adequately challenged. As it turned out, this school was head and tails above city school in terms of dealing with Alex’s needs. But Mary Beth also had plans for Malcolm. She told me she had a terrific Grade Two teacher for me. I had my doubts. After all, no one really understood Asperger’s and I’d already been dissed by a teacher who thought she knew way more than I did about my child. But it wouldn’t have been good form to be unwilling to meet when I was asking this out-of-district principal to take Alex, so I agreed.
When I met Tracy, the Grade Two teacher, I had no idea just what a fabulous resource she’d turn out to be. I’ve had good teachers and I’ve had crappy teachers, but I’ve never had a teacher as willing as Tracy to use me as a resource. She pumped me for information about Malcolm; she asked me where I thought he should sit in her classroom and then put him where I suggested. She took my advice on the daily , shared strategies she was picking up, and communicated in an open and happy way about my son’s successes and challenges. And when Malcolm burned out after the March Break, she agreed with my strategy of cutting back on his week to give him an extra day of rest, and then reported back within a couple weeks that the strategy had been successful; Malcolm was fully engaged and seemed much more attentive in class.
July 20, 2012 at 6:02 am
I’ve learned so much about Aspergers from your Friday posts. Writing a book on Aspergers disease wouldn’t be a bad idea and would probably help a lot of families that don’t know how to deal with it.
July 20, 2012 at 8:00 am
Gail,
I come in to work early on Fridays just to get a chance to read your Friday post. Your fierce advocacy for your children is inspirational. If only all chilidren with Aspergers had an advocate like you. Malcolm is a very lucky young man. I have no doubt with you in his corner he will soar to amazing heights. God bless you both.
July 20, 2012 at 11:52 am
I love reading the posts, but specially Friday posts. Thanks for sharing with us Gail, and I hope you keep it coming!
July 20, 2012 at 1:37 pm
So glad this school turned out better than the last!
July 20, 2012 at 5:28 pm
I agree, write a book
July 20, 2012 at 6:16 pm
This post hits very close to home Gail. My oldest son is special needs and I truly understand the challenges you face when trying to choose the best education for your child. We have had awful teachers and then we have had teachers like his teacher this year that took the time to get to know my son… Learn his strengths and even take the time to meet with the professionals in his life to better accommodate him at school. It is no wonder that this was his first, truly happy, year at school. I’m hoping it will be just as great as this coming year. And for the record, this is also a “country” school that has 300 students from K to grade 12.
July 22, 2012 at 11:58 am
Thank you for being a strong voice for your children. My parents have been too. I was diagnosed with learning issues early on in school years – and thru my years my parents were my voice until I was able to stand on my two feet and stand up for myself with peers and in the working world.
So that leads me to mention Aspergers is not a disease, but a disorder – a curve-ball that we are thrown.
I hope that your children conquer all and stand tall each and every day.