My lovely son, Alex, starts school tomorrow for the first time. Not that he's not used to being with other children all day as we both work full time, so he has been going to nursery five days a week. So why do I feel like I'm failing him?
We've arranged for him to attend the breakfast club at the school, a really good one with a wonderful person in charge. Then I'll be picking him up at lunchtime and taking him back to his old nursery for the afternoon. For the first two weeks he is only doing half days at school.
For the second week he'll be at nursery in the morning and school plus after school club (with the same nice person) in the afternoon.
He's already had a taster session at the school and knows his teacher's name and can't wait for Monday so that he can go.
Recently he's been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome which explains a lot of his behavioural issues. Maybe, that's why I'm feeling so guilty !!! I'm actually having bad dreams now about leaving him somewhere, going back for him and not being able to find him. How bad is that?
Still I suppose once he's got his first two weeks out of the way we will be able to settle into a routine. There's nothing wrong with his intelligence, in fact he is extremely intelligent and I think he will thrive at school. It's his behaviour that can be an issue as his Asperger's means that he doesn't interact well socially. He has loads of friends and knows everybody, but all games and interaction have to be on his terms. So I can see some conflicts coming up at school !!! Luckily the school are aware of his problems so I'm hoping they will have some strategies in place for dealing with it.
Oh God, I'm waffling on here. Can you tell I'm nervous? Alex isn't, bless him. He thinks it is all a wonderful adventure - maybe I'd better go with that.
I think I need a new knitting challenge - to add to the several I already have - to distract me. I've signed up for Debbie Abrahams mystery blanket club which she will be signing on for in October and starts in January 2010.
Wish me luck.
Hi Claire, I understand how worried you must be. I don't know if it helps but we have two children with Aspergers in our school. One in Year 1 and one in Year 4. They've both been there since reception class and they both love school. They do have little quirks and behaviourial issues but because they have been with the other children ever since they started aged 4 they are just accepted. None of the other children think they are any different to them - after all we ALL have some quirks don't we??! It's just the way we are. I think we, as adults are far more judgemental than children and I'm sure he will fit in fine, have a fantastic time and by next week you'll wonder what you were worried about. Good Luck! Let us know how he gets on. xx
ReplyDeleteI can understand why you are nervous.One of our granddaughters started school last Friday.She only did an hour and starts from Tuesday doing 2 hours a day and then building up to full time.Emily took it in her stride .It was Mum who was the wreck!!I am sure he will be fine and the fact that he hasan Aspergers diagnosis already is good .School will be prepared.
ReplyDeleteThanks both of you, it's very comforting to read your comments. I'm sure you're right and there will be nothing to fret about - it's just me :)
ReplyDeleteAt least you have a diagnosis of his problem and that means that school can make the support that he needs at the correct time to help him if he needs it. Starting school is a difficult time for any parent but not usually for the child! This time next week you will be wondering why you were so worried! And we are all here to support you so I am sure that all will be fine. Thinking about you and Alex today! xx
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