Transitiiong to Middle school - THANK YOU Pam. Great post!!

March 4, 2009

Pam

What an invaluable post! I read so often, and I don't post due to time. I am

always working at my computer proofing (Professional photographer). But, my son

will be going into middle school in July. He's in 5th grade and 12 years old for

the second time and it was the BEST decision we've made. He's matured more this

year and the Lord brought him a best friend. It is UTERLY amazing to me to see

the self-confidence rise in and he does more with kids his age on the

street now because he has a best friend. IT's the perfect best friend. He has

Aspergers too. I knew it when I met him the first time – knew it. HE's below

and above my 9 year old with high functioning autism. Funny how they

really are different – my boys- with Aspergers and Bipolar and then high

functioning autism (now). I only WISH Hunter lived closer to .

I am petrified about the transition to middle school but our Psychologist has

been really trying to prepare us. He talked about classroom transitions (which

thankfully for sixth grade isn't much at all to help them start learning the

process) and lockers (locks and combinations – remembering – oh my), and then to

have a team to help him cope. HE is guiding me to meet with the team there early

on, get to know them, then meet with the team early on to talk about my

questions and concerns, take there at least twice (he went with his

grade on a field trip already).

One of our BIGGEST concerns is changing in the locker room. Growing up as a

girl, we have little stalls with a curtain, still peep through, but nothing like

I learned boys are. They all change in the open. My son is ADAMANT he won't dot

his and just won't go to gym <grin>. I wish that were the case son. He NEVER

takes anything off and even has a hard time taking his shirt off unless swimming

in his swimsuit of course. He is very well-behaved in school although he's got

average to above average intelligence, he struggles in school! (especially math

and learning multiplication facts by heart). My youngest is very good at math.

He, unfortunately rubs that in too!

So..

Thank you for your post. IT was so beneficial to me, too!

Sherri Winstead

Fayetteville nc

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