adamS wrote:
So now I'm a parent of a boy with Aspergers. We suspected he had Sensory Integration issues (irrational discomfort of any clothes with buttons, doesn't like pants with zippers, collars on shirts are often an issue), but didn't expect at all the asperger diagnosis. But, that combined with many of his behaviors, it makes sense now.
So, after the initial shock, then some basic pamphlet reading, and some more in-depth reading on line, we are starting to come to terms and feeling comfortable with all this. He's very smart, communication is fine. Some fine motor delays (although he is now an expert with LEGO, go figure). He is indeed an expert on mudflaps.
So now our question on school. He starts Kindergarten in the fall, and the doc who evaluated him will be writing up the official evaluation in the next few weeks. But she gave us the option of not specifically stating Aspergers in it, rather she would describe the behaviors that need modification (through Occupational Therapy and Psychological therapy), and mention the Sensory Integration issues. We are also recommended to have the school evaluate him, so that the OT may be done at school.
We are torn a bit on this. We are currently leaning towards not having Asperger's mentioned in the evaluation. But not for being ashamed, or wanting to avoid the label, but rather he may be better served being in Mainstream class rather than Special Ed if the school evaluates him. We will have the school evaluate him anyway, but it seems more likely he will be Special Ed if the doctors evaluation says Aspergers than if it doesn't. Depending on how Kindergarten and 1st and maybe 2nd grade go, if Special ed seems the way to go, then perhaps then will be the time to do it.
In a sense, this would be "easier" had he had a more severe case, but the fact that Aspergers is a mild disorder as it is, and my son is on the mild end of those with Aspergers, we just aren't sure what is better for him.
I guess I am looking for any experiences of those whith children who are considered mild, and their experiences with education.
Thanks!
My experience was mainstream education all the way, skipped a year when I was 13, 3rd highest results in the year I moved into, spent a year temping here and then went to do an internship in Spain and improve my language skills. I then went to Oxford to read Law, with AS on the school record from 11. That was the UK system, though, and in a fairly good middle class school (though not private).
25 Mar 2011, 12:35 am
