The Highs and Lows of a Year in Mainstream School (Part Two)

Posted on July 8, 2012 by B's Dad

This post is now available in the ‘Life with an Autistic Son’ ebook available to download from Amazon.

This entry was posted in asd, aspergers, autism and tagged asd, aspergers, autism, disability, parenting, special needs. Bookmark the permalink.

12 Responses to The Highs and Lows of a Year in Mainstream School (Part Two)

Louise says:

July 8, 2012 at 10:50 am

Thanks for this post, I too forget how far my son has come along and it is so important to sit back and remember that sometimes. He has his first play date tomorrow, 6 months even 3 months ago I would have never thought that possible, even when the nursery told me he had a friend I wouldnt believe it until I saw it with my own eyes. I have underestimated my son too often but our kids can acheive so much, I’m beginning to believe that now.

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Emily says:

July 8, 2012 at 3:26 pm

I truly thank you for this post (and all of them). Our sons are about the same age, and reading about all of your family’s ups and downs have helped me to cope with our son’s diagnosis of autism. I work with deaf children and my husband is a child psychologist. Even so, this is so overwhelming and devastating. Our son is still mostly nonverbal, and self-stims a lot. We never thought this would be our reality ( we have a “normal” 7-year old). I am not at the hopeful phase at this point, but your post gives me hope…and I really need it. Thank you so much again for sharing.

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stephstwogirls says:

July 8, 2012 at 9:30 pm

Yay! It’s nice to read something so positive. Glad to hear it’s all good fr you right now, adn I’m sure you’ve given hope to a lot of others. The rollercoaster never stops, bt it’s true the peaks get flatter for longer :0

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Deanna says:

July 9, 2012 at 8:37 am

I just recently had a grandson who was diagnosed as autistic and came across your blog. I want to say thank you, you have made me laugh and made me cry. It’s as if you have read my thoughts or peeked through our door. We have experienced the scrutiny of others as our grandchild has had yet another meltdown, we have smiled, as we endured another parent giving us tips, since we obviously haven’t been as successful in our parenting skills as they have been. You give us hope and I thank you!

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B's Dad says:

July 9, 2012 at 9:28 pm

These are such kind comments. Thank you all so much. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day to day and forget how well our kids are doing, often against the odds. And, of course, how well you are doing as parents. Stay strong, everyone.

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Violets Diary says:

July 9, 2012 at 9:45 pm

I did read this earlier, but it must have been on my phone, which is why i didn’t comment, but fab. this is great and so lovely to read. Steph is right about the rollercoaster, there are always little things and sometimes some big things, but if you’ve got the right support and consistancy then I’m sure things will continue to improve. In the meantime have a lovely summer and you can start Reception on a positive note. – I have some understanding of how you feel because that is how we are feeling about High School at the moment, so fingers crossed it works all round 🙂

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jo says:

July 9, 2012 at 11:09 pm

I’ve been through a similar meeting recently, reading this was like looking in a mirror, thank you x

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jennylynndotcom says:

July 14, 2012 at 9:32 pm

Thank you so much for all of your posts. We are just starting on our journey, and I have found your blog incredibly helpful. I wish your family all the best.

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Sarah says:

August 24, 2012 at 9:15 am

My son is starting mainstream in September and I have been awfully worried about how he would cope. Your blog has made me feel a whole lot better. Thank you, your candid writing writing has made me laugh and cry!

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- B's Dad says:
  
  August 24, 2012 at 2:29 pm
  
  Thanks Sarah. All the best in September!
  
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Linseyfilby@btinternet.com says:

October 12, 2012 at 7:44 pm

Wow, I felt like I was reading my own diary when I read your post. My daughter is 6, high functioning autism. After a reception year of dual schooling between a specialist school and mainstream, she is now in full time at main stream and what a time we’ve had… Originally the main stream school thought that just by allowing our daughter through the door was “inclusive” enough, she would pretty much be out of class 1:1 with her TA the majority of the time, might have pinned a big note to her, I have special Needs.. After many discussions and us giving simple suggestions ( the school senco has zero interest or ideas ) this has changed, as you say give a child the right environment and they will flourish. Finally they are listening to what my child “can do” rather than focus on what she can’t, I feel like I am a constant pain to the head teacher but surely simple things like written schedules aren’t too much to ask for ( she does have a statement and the school receive a substantial financial subsidy for her attending ).. We too have had to sit through assemblies, sports days dreading what is to come however Our girl loves school, she Is happy ( most of the time ), and at the moment she does not think she is any different to her peers, she thinks her permanent minder, her TA, is because she is lucky.. We’ve had the odd comment from children and parents but for the most part everyone is accepting of our daughter and her quirky ways.. We are about to embark on Nativity preparations, will she understand it all??? Will she request to dress up as a tomato???? We can only begin to imagaine but one things for sure, we will cry with pride but I’m certain she won’t be Mary lol xx

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- B's Dad says:
  
  October 16, 2012 at 9:35 pm
  
  Ah yes, very similar experiences.I love your daughter’s attitude to her T.A. Very sweet. I also like the phrase ‘minder’ which I’ve used at school myself (I’m a teacher) and got told off for! Thanks for sharing.
  
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