Tonight was conference night. It is always very stressful and, quite frankly scary, when a child starts a new school. Not for the kid, for the parent! Sam went off to high school and I came up with every possible complication and worry that could possibly happen before school even started. I will say, it has gone relatively smoothly. The linchpin of this entire transition was his behavior plan.
One day, Sam was allowed to take a walk when he was having a hard time which is not what the behavior plan says. I have to say, I panicked! It just so happened that as we were at the grocery store that night, I ran into that very teacher. She sought out Sam, said hello to him. Introduced herself to me. She was really just a delight. Then we discussed Sam a little and talked about the plan. My initial concern was that the plan was ignored. It wasn't. This teacher just really liked him and wanted to do something helpful. We had a "tough love" talk. Then next day, much to Sam's chagrin, the behavior plan was firmly in place. It was obvious that she had taken the time to listen to me because she also helped him by going over his schedule again and again which reduces his over all anxiety.
It was obvious from the conference tonight that she truly enjoys Sam. Not in a pat him on the head "oh you poor disabled child" kind of way. She enjoyed him as a student and a person who, gosh, just happens to have autism. She also encouraged me to help Sam attend the homecoming dance if that is what he chooses to do. Knowing Sam....he just might!
Mrs. O, it was really nice to talk to you at conferences. I look forward to Sam's time with you. I'm sure you will stretch him in many ways. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me and really understand Sam's needs.
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