Middle School

Well Savannah has graduated from grade school at the top her classroom. The teachers were so sad to see her go. She had become their best helper and aid. Running errands to the office and other classrooms, taking the other handicap children to their classes and instructing the younger kids in what to do. For a little girl who had no hope (according to the experts) this was a major goal. It has gone a long way to relieve my fears of her starting middle school. She has grown so much.

She started her ESY (extended school year) today. It is designed to help the children maintain the skills they have learned throughout the year. Since Autistic children forget so easily, or maybe it would be better to say that they 'dismiss' what they have learned if they don't use the skills each day, (an autistic child rarely forgets. At least mine doesn't) it is imperative that they keep using the skills in order to succeed.

Normally Savannah is upset at having to start ESY while her sisters get to stay home. This year was different. She had no problem going and was excited to do so. We also kept a promise we made to her at the beginning of the year. Since her older sister got a cell phone when she started middle school, so would Savannah. So when she got home from the bus today, I had her cell phone waiting. She was so excited and carried it with her in her belt clip all night.

I feel lucky that I have two other children who are typical developing that can and do help her to learn little things like using the phone. Her sister, while they do get a little annoyed from time to time with Savannah differences (so do I), they have no problem teaching her and guiding her. I have been so blessed to have this advantage that other families do not. My advice to those families.

Find a big sister/ big brother program to get your child into. Simply playing with an older, TD child will do wonders. Autistic children mimic what the see, hear and read much more than most.

Get together with family that have other children as much as possible.

Find a support group in your town and set up play dates. If there are none, start one. Invite the parents that have children in your child's class. You will be surprised how much they are willing and eager to join.

Most of all, do not think that your child can not learn something simply because they are autistic or mentally challenged. They can. They will. Each person learns differently but we learn the same things. So can they. If one approach does not work, try another. They can learn, if you are willing to teach.