[BrandyHagz]

My biological son is high functioning autistic and has been mainstreamed (with an in-class aide) for two years. This year, he is a fifth grader and is doing well with the assistance of the in class aide – Jerrett is by no means unintelligent or lagging behind his other classmates – he has always been on the A honor roll and is enrolled in some advanced classes for math and science…he has a very high IQ and this shows in his interactions with other kids.

Most of Jerrett’s issues are social – he is, for lack of a better word, socially inept…something common in gifted children as well as autistic children. Its something we’ve worked on for some time – but improvement is just slow in coming.

I am concerned about his upcoming transition to Junior High School. This past summer, at his last IEP review, they suggested that we work on transitioning the aide out of the classroom so that Jerrett can become more self-sufficient in anticipation for his move to Junior High. Frankly, I am scared to death! Like I said above, this isn’t an educational aide, Jerrett has no issues with his school work and maintains an A average in all of his classes, even his sixth grade level math and science classes…however, this aide has been invaluable to Jerrett during his difficult times. He doesn’t transition well to new tasks – he is a “projects” kinda guy – he likes to do one thing and do it to completion, and that’s a problem in the classroom.

Does anyone here have a Junior High school student who has an aide? How do they cope with class changes and other kids?

In his current setting, the aide is in place for Jerrett, but she aides all of the students and the teacher – so its not outwardly apparent to everyone that he is “Jerrett’s Aide” although, everyone pretty much knows. I assume, if he has an aide in Junior High, he won’t have the luxury of “secrecy” to protect him from the kids evil comments…

I just want Jerrett to be successful. He gets so bored with school already – if they were to transition him back to the “special education” classroom – that would be devastating, but I just don’t think he has what it will take to make the transition to Junior high, changing classes and having to do it all without the support of his aide.

Any advice on how I can support him and prepare him for this upcoming challenge? Jerrett is very sensitive and doesn’t do well in social situations – and I worry so much!

[redhedded]

Brandy, I have no words of wisdom; I know how worried and stressed you must be. I had several kids (clients) who made this transition with success; some did not. Every one of their parents was terrified and not ready.

During the changes, you, better than anyone completely knows how to comfort and talk to him. Maybe try as hard as you can to keep continuity, to provide that absolute important adherence to schedule and routine outside of his classroom experience. I am sure that his aide has some great ideas on making this hard transition.

Sending positive thoughts to you Jarrett and hoping that he finds a new and exciting routine, one that appeals to him, and hoping that those professionals and students around him are supportive and adept at easing his social stress. All you can do is give it a great shot, support and love him and set your fears to the side (okay hide them a bit.)