Since it’s World Autism Awareness Day I thought I would write about a little something that’s been on my mind lately.
Right after spring break I got a new student. He seemed to be having trouble adapting to our schedule. After 2 weeks of teaching said student I’m almost positive he has Asperger’s Syndrome or some other form of autism. My niece has it, and there are many similarities to the glimpses I got of her at that age. I haven’t said anything to the parents, because I’m not sure why he transferred to our school. I know he is closer to his mother’s job now. I know they pay tuition for him to go to our school, because they still live in the district where his old school was. I can’t help but wonder if the teacher at his old school mentioned that he might need to be tested because of his problems, and his parents didn’t agree or want to accept it. From what I can tell he’s an only child. He reads and writes beautifully (From what I’ve read good handwriting isn’t normal for autistic kids…hm…). He can count better than most. Based on those things he is a model student. But something is definitely wrong. I’ve talked to my principal, and she thinks we should wait to talk to the parents. She told me to make notes. Document behaviors that stand out. I’ve started doing that. I just wish I could call his old school and get some feedback from them. I wish I could talk to my sister about it as well.
While looking things up online I came across this fictional story about a kid with Asperger’s Syndrome that I thought I would share. Just in case anyone out there is interested.
Midlife Natalie 
I have, on more than one occasion, contacted a student’s previous teacher for info. Don’t present I as “I think something’s wrong, don’t you?” but just mention that the student is having problems with x, y, z & did you see that, too? What worked/didn’t, etc. Past teachers hve great info!