School is tough

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I have both Autism and ADHD.

I have a difficult time sitting still . I shake my legs, rock my chairy, wave and flap my hands. My teachers who arent special ed teachers think Im a distraction. I do get out of my seat sometimes.

I have an aide who comes to my classes with me. People stare. I try to ignore it. I need the help. I need someone to make sure I am doing alright. I need help with organizing and staying on task.

Then I am in Special Ed math classes. Math has always been difficult. I need to do it at my own pace. My math teacher lets me walk around during class. Thats the best thing ever. I also get to write on the chalkboard.

Im in grade 12 but my parents and teachers think I could benefit from extra math. I think so too.

When I stim in class it causes people to feel uncomfortable. I flap my hands, I wave my hands, I rock, and I chew. My teachers let me leave the room if my stims turn violent. If I start slamming my hands or crying or swearing. Its quite embarassing.

Are you mainstreamed, for the most part?

Are you going to get a regular high school diploma?

Im mainstreamed for the most part. I have 2 special ed classes this semester. Math, and Money Management. I think im getting a normal diploma

Things will get better for you once you get in college.

People in college tend to be more tolerant of difference. People in high school tend not to be very tolerant of difference.

Are you planning on going to college?

I dont know if I can go to college. I have bad social skills. I have extreme difficulties with speaking. I think I could go to college if I had extra support and people I can trust to go to for help.

If you are diagnosed with autism, they’ll accommodate you to some extent in college.

Ok. That seems good. I just would be scared of being overwhelmed. Its not a fun feeling. I didnt know I could go to college with some special ed classes on my transcript

If you get a regular diploma, you’ll pretty automatically get into community college.

They’ll give you a test for English and math. If you pass the English one, you can take most courses for credit right away.

Thats awesome. I think I can pass the English test but definitely not the math test

They would put you in remedial math, then, if you fail the math test.

Remedial courses are not for credit.

Many majors in college don't require all that much math, anyway.

Thank you. Not many people have thought about the college pathway for me

Thank you. Not many people have thought about the college pathway for me

You can, at least, give it a try. Why not?

What other alternatives have people proposed?

They thought I should do employment training or wait a few years before going to college

I wonder if you can do employment training, in addition to college.

Maybe try a light course load at the beginning of college. Maybe take 2 or so classes per semester.

Let me ask this, is there a hands on type trade you would be interested in (say Electrician or Carpenter). That might be a better option. For one thing, you keep moving around in the trades rather than stay in one spot so that will help with the stimming. You need to know some math for the trades but most of the math is of the level of high school algebra so you can always take a remedial course on that if need be. Also, most trades require only a 2 year degree which is cheaper. Maybe check into that with the organization that is offering employment training.