Back-to-school night

[Guest guest]

We just had back-to-school night for my son (13, 8th grade, Aspergers) and it

went so well! I couldn't believe it. I kept waiting for something to happen

and it never did.

For the other 2 back-to-school nights for Dylan in middle school (6th and 7th

grades) Dylan would be gliding through the hallways, almost flapping his arms,

making a lot of " nervous " noises when the teachers were talking, and generally

embarrassing me and embarrassing himself. It was painful to be a part of and to

watch.

8th grade back-to-school night...I swear he's a different kid. He's grown up SO

MUCH over the summer. He was so quiet and thoughtful about things as we sat in

the classrooms and listened to the teachers. I was just stunned! He took his

Daytrana patch off about 1.5 hours beforehand so the medication was already

wearing off so he was probably unmedicated or close to unmedicated by the end of

the evening. I gave him many complements through the evening but I will take

zero credit for this. It was all him. And his little sister was even there! I

thought between the sibling rivalry and D's anxiety I would firmly hate myself

for even attempting to do this but I had noone to watch my daughter and I really

wanted to meet his teachers so I took a chance.

I hope, hope, hope the kids give him a chance this year. If he is more calm and

thoughtful about what he chooses to say and how he interacts with others, I hope

it makes a difference. He wants very much to have friends. Several kids said

" hi " to him this evening so I know there are some possibilities out there. This

just gives me so much hope for the future. I'm sure we'll still struggle with

the usual: organization of papers/notebooks/homework, remembering to turn things

in, not waiting until the last minute, etc... but I think it's all doable. I

just had to share this amazing experience with you guys. It really can get

better!