Today was supposed to be a full on work day. But again the Laptop had other ideas. Clearly it was an update day. Luckily my old tablet came to the rescue. A slow rescue but it was a rescue. I did find a use for my laptop. As it updated it got warm and a nice warm thing is too much for a dog to resist. So my laptop is now an expensive comfort blanket to sleep on.
When our son arrived back from school he was smiling. One of those smiles.
“Dad sit down”
No it’s ok
“Dad no I think you should sit down”
Ok I’m sat down, go on hit me with it.
“Well I tried doing the work with my left hand. It was bad. Anyway for the Games Lesson I was sent to a teachers room. I was told that I could do my homework. I told the teacher that I had no homework which needed doing. So she said I should just get a book from the shelf or do something educational on the iPad. I just sat and tried to play Crossy Roads for an hour. I beat your record.”
Well that wasn’t too bad, maybe next time find something rather than a game to do. Certainly don’t beat your dads best score…
“That’s not all. During one of the lessons I banged my right hand on the desk. It really hurt. But the teacher just told me to carry on working”
That’s not good. I’m going to speak to the Head about that.
“Not finished yet Dad. They have decided which options all the kids are doing for the next term. I was told that I couldn’t do the option I selected because of my hand so they told me that I have to do another one. They have given me the Book Reading class. Do you think they have forgotten I’m dyslexic.”
The Book Reading Class for a dyslexic. You couldn’t make it up.
Hello?! God love him. Sounds like an amazing kid that can handle just about anything thrown his way.
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Amazing child, in a not so amazing school. 🤦🏽♀️
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Apparently they have just won an award for support to Autistic children…. speaking with one of the health professionals they said when the doctors found out about the schools award they all just burst out laughing.
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Oh my word! Geez! That says a WHOLE lot, a ton! 🤦🏽♀️ I don’t understand how the people handing out these awards don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, who’s speaking to the parents and heading out the parents and they’re experiences with the school?! That’ll give them a true perspective.
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I suspect it’s more about having really good documentation and making it look professional, talking all the key words and saving money.
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You’re on point with that! They don’t want the truth to get out there! Unfortunate but very true.
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It’s easy to label the likes of me and you as ‘pushy parents’
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Haha yes! I’m now ok with that.
And on the first day of school, I always make sure I get all the teachers school emails, seeing how I’d just have to call the main school to get transferred to the classroom phone to speak to the teacher.
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Our school has a state of the art email system let down time and time again by the failure to do anything with the promises – ‘and I will deal with this really important information immediately or “ I will-let the other teachers now immediately”.
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Yes, the good ‘ole ‘I will deal with this.’ Nope. Nothing is done.
Or I get the, ‘I will call you back.’ Nope, again, no call back.
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I really didn’t think parenting was going to be this stressful.
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Hehe! I know. But, that’s life, we’ll take it all as it comes. As they said one day at church, small child, small problems, older child, bigger problems. 😳😏😊🙏🏽 God continue to helps us!
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Let’s hope so.
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He always does! 😊🙏🏽
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Good.
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Yes, I agree, it’s very good. 😊
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Hi. He sort of can and he can’t. I think somedays he can see the funny side of life other days its meltdown.
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My daughter has ADHD. She’s grown now still struggles. She had her days. I remember the hours we had to spend studying. I had to use repetition to get things to stick. Some nights, I thought I would lose my mind. I had to remember she couldn’t help it. I would walk away and gather my patience. It was a struggle.
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It is a struggle. But schools and the systems make it so much more of a battle.
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I agree. Hang in there. It sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders. He’s going to be just fine. He will grow into his own.
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I’m a tad confused. Your son hurt his hand which than meant that he could not do the activity he had chosen and than was sent for reading? My mind is boogled with the treatment your son and you receive. I am so sorry.
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Thank you. Hopefully when I see the Head he can enlighten me
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Oh no really??? I want to hit someone…Can you go and speak to them? I don’t know if they are open to constructive criticism but this is JUST NOT RIGHT. You have a beautiful son, he is a credit to you and his Mum. Sending you another hug. ❤
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Arranged to see Head. A couple of Health workers are also coming to see the Head as well. Thanks
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The only way is to speak up. Good luck
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Probably only way is to shout.
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Lol not wrong there…let em have it!!!
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You should talk to the school head. Your son is very bright.
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I am seeing the Head next week. Hopefully some progress. Thanks
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Hopes that works well.
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Thanks
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😉
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😁
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☺️
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😡😡😱
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That’s unbelievable! These teachers are idiots.
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It’s almost as if they want me to take him out of there school.
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It certainly seems that way. Can you call your MP or the school board? Are you part of a support group for parents of children with Aspergers? I’m sure you are not alone with this treatment. I find it quite shocking that the school is behaving this way. 😟
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Speaking with another Parent, our MP backs the system. More worried about cutting taxes really.
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Is there any help or advice from the health department perhaps? It just seems very, very wrong for educators to treat a special needs child in such a way. I would call the press and tell them your story, except you have to take care of repercussions your son could experience. I feel very bad for you both. 😡
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The health team apart from the long waiting lists (due to government cut backs) are great. Unfortunately they are not allowed to get involved in education matters. They are as frustrated as the parents.
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Absolutely unreal ! Depending on how much he can read – eg I suppose he is at a younger level than that of his own age – is he open to being read to ? Would it help him to relax with books ? When my dyslexic nephew was thirteen he was struggling to read at the usual level for his age and his mother read “The Fellowship Of The Ring” to him, which he apparently listened to quite readily. The Harry Potter books have a story line sufficiently attractive to appeal to a lot of struggling readers in a wide age range.
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He enjoys being read to but now as he has got older he gets embarrassed about it in public. For example if we go to a museum we wait near an exhibit until no one is near and then I quickly and quietly read any writing to him. Even using a reading pen embarrasses him at school, suspect it’s the reaction he gets.
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Very natural reactions for him too. Children are cruel to each other, and teenagers are even worse to each other. If the school will not support him in reading then it is even more important that he not be put in a book reading class. What a horrible situation. He really needs companions of his own kind and own age, but I am sure you have looked around for that.
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It’s not so easy especially for someone who finds social situations difficult.
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True.
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You really can’t make these things up! It’s upsetting, it really is.
I just finished having to review with my Autistic/ADD son math lessons to which he has an exam for tomorrow. I’m so overwhelmed, how do they believe he’ll do?! Great?! I’ll pray for that!
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Surely in 2019 we can find a better way of doing these things. It’s just tiring and frustrating constant fight. I had a long chat with his maths teacher trying to explain to him that all the tests our Health people have done show that he is really good at maths, just he sees maths in a different way so needs a different approach. I still think the teacher just sees a low attainment child in front of him, that’s the easiest approach. I really hope it goes ok for him. Will be thinking of you both, it’s not pleasant.
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That’s what you must continue to do. My sons last year teachers only saw me and made a not so pleasant facial expression. But when you first approach the issues in a nice matter, and moving forward that approach doesn’t go anywhere, persistence is the only option. And teachers don’t want to be bothered, however when there’s an issue with our children that doesn’t seem to be fixed, what are we, as parents suppose to do?! Sit at home?! Twiddle our thumbs?! No, we go to the school, we pick up the phone, we send the emails, we do what we think is going to get administration moving in the direction that will help our children. Unfortunately, the process is slow, really slow, or close to nonexistent. But we must continue to fight, and stand up for what we see isn’t being done for our children.
Courage, you’re not alone, there’s plenty of us fighting the same fight. You’re doing great! I’m so glad you chatted with his math teacher.
Thank you, likewise, I often think of you and your boy. 😊🙏🏽
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Thank you so much. It means a lot. I know the health people keep saying that the schools are just focused on meeting expected exam standards and behaviour. It’s very easy to give a well behaved special needs child a low benchmark and then pat themselves on the back when the child gets anything at the end of the day. Not interested in maximising potential.
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Oh I’ve seen that with my son! Yes, as long as the grades reflect any slight improvement, there’s really little to nothing you can say that’ll make the teacher and other professionals change their minds. It’s frustrating and pathetic! Of course these children are smart, we know it, we’re their parents. However, what it took to get there, is nothing short then extreme hard work from both the child and parent! My son gets anxiety over things that he doesn’t understand because at times the class is moving far too quickly for him.
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Listening to the consultants and not education experts. Kids on the spectrum have to work harder to try and match the performance of the other kids for so many reasons, trying to learn using teaching techniques not suited to the child, teaching environments which are designed as if they are as unwelcoming to a kid on the spectrum as possible,too many sensory distractions, dealing with associated other conditions like ADHD/Dyslexia, and an institutional bias which expects poor performance. Imagine the anxiety that causes to the poor kids. In cases like yours the cards are stacked against you but you still work and strive.
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I agree! Ugh, I agree and it’s saddening all at the same time. Isn’t it?! Don’t we want the children to strive. And you’re right, the distractions in my sons classroom is enough to drive myself insane! There’s so much of everything in one room! And he’s already dealing with ADD as well.
The anxiety on my son, is sky high! He will not sleep if there’s a test the next day – much like last night. The amount of work that he requires, amounts to ALL my children put together – all six!
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It’s just not right. Our son is completely stressed out. When he was off with his hand he was so relaxed. Now we are back into worries and nightmares. I have to say homeschooling or something like is probably the way to go. Need to find some way to pay the bills.
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I can imagine.
Can you work from home with your current employer?
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Need to think about it. When I can squeeze the work around the schooling. What to do on those days I need to venture out.
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Of course. Think about it, so it can work for both you and your son. It’ll all work out. You’ll see. 😊🙏🏽
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I trust you. Thank you. 🙂
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Awe! Likewise! Courage, we’re all in this together! 😊🙏🏽
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We are.😺😁
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🥳🙌🏽
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How would the school respond to your son listening to Audible books? They seem a perfect solution and are so well narrated.
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They are happy if this is done outside of school hours. I must admit I try to find out what books are being read in English and see if they have made a movie about it. We did that last time.
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Try using audible books instead as movies often diverge from the plot lines of books or don’t depict the whole story. If you subscribe to Audible, you get three free books initially and if you don’t like them, can return them…then one book a month. It could make a big difference for him.
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That’s a great idea.
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*facepalm*
(tap, tap, tap) Is anybody THERE? (tap, tap, tap) Is anyone listening? (tap, tap, tap) HELLO?
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Not really. I think the country is to busy with the new vegan sausages to bother about anything else.
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SMDH 🙄
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What?! My goodness, how frustrating. I’m sorry – that is so crazy!
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Thanks. It reassuring to hear you say that as I often think it’s me going crazy.
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I really think you speak to the school! This is not done.
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Meeting next week.
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Ugh, that doesn’t sound right. What are they thinking? When your son gets discouraged, remind him that some of the world’s most famous people were/are dyslexic – Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, and Richard Branson. It’s certainly not a measure of one’s intelligence and definitely doesn’t define one’s level of success! 🙂
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We try to have a session every few days when we look at the people who have Aspergers or Dyslexia.
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
GLAD YOU WERE SITTING DOWN—AND THE DOG WAS SO COMFORTABLE! 🙂
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The dog was very comfortable not sure the laptop enjoyed it so much. Thank you.
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All that dog hair, yes, I know! 🙂
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Not good.
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Oh well…!
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I love how he took it all in stride but made sure you were sitting down to break the news! What an Awesome lad! The school however… 😠
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He is. Suspect he knew I might kick the wall – again.
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Love your son! Seems to think things through a bit better than some of the adults at his school. 😊
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Thank you. There are good people at the school just they don’t get the support, or are allowed to or have been ground down by workloads. Unfortunately some how don’t care.
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Such a caring bunch! *steps over the puddle of dripping sarcasm*
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How bright of the teacher concerned……. shame the wattage in her brain has dimmed.
Good luck with getting it sorted.
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Yes the lights have dimmed. Thank you
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That was an enjoyable read. The joys of schools and parenting a child who needs extra attention.
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Thank you. It keeps us on our toes.
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I know that feeling well.
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It’s not a good feeling. Certainly it good for your long term wellbeing.
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Schools are so frustrating for kids and parents. I have the same problem with my daughter who is ADHD
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You shouldn’t have to fight the system. They should we working with you to create the best learning environment for your daughter.
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💖💜💙
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Thank you
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I see you have lots of suggestions and support here and no, you can’t make that up! I had a kindergarten teacher tell me my son had problems because he finished his work before the rest and doodled in the blank sides of the paper. She literally held up a paper saying, see this? This is intolerable. I suggested she let him read a book after he was done and waiting for the others. She refused. I went to the principal. In second grade he was at genius level. Some teachers should not be teachers.
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That’s so true. Our son finished some class work about 10 minutes before the other kids. He went on his iPad to see if he could find something to do and he was reprimanded.
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The insanity of it all! Oh, if someone could only point out the irony to that teacher, but I know you must tread lightly!
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Each parent will have their own demands. Some parents may be seen as too difficult or to be asking for too much….
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If it wasn’t so shocking, it would be hilarious. I hope the head can see the stupidity of the situation, apologises profusely, rectifies the situation and gives the teacher a rocket. Keep us posted! Katie
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Thank you Katie.
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I DO NOT LIKE THIS
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I did well not to punch the wall….
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You did, indeed
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OH FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE. You really can’t make this stuff up. Stranger than fiction, indeed…
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I couldn’t make it up. It is almost so unreal. It doesn’t feel like it’s 2019. It feels like we are in some old black and white school movie something like Goodbye Mr Chips.
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