I Obviously Love My Son but Just Needed to Vent...

E. - Please do not blame yourself for your son's dificulties. Not sure what problems you had growing up but you sound like a very articulate mom who only wants the best for your son. It also sounds like you turned out just fine and I bet your son will too!

Do you know what specific learning disability your son has? If you think he has Asperger's he really should be evaluated by a developmental pediatrician to get a diagnosis. He would then probably qualify for additional services that perhaps your county will pay for and who knows by the time he is in HS he may be thriving! Try not to worry about the future.

Hi E., perhaps there are some special needs friendly high schools in your area?

(A good friend of mine has a teenage son with Asperger's who is excelling at our local Waldorf hs. So I googled Waldorf in Chattanooga and came up with nothing.)

Perhaps to calm your fears you could schedule a meeting with his current teachers and administrators to start developing a plan for high school now. I'm sure they will be able to help you understand your choices. Also ask moms you know from his current school what their plans will be for high school.

Call your district. Discuss you concerns with THEM. Find out what programs and philosophies they have for kids with different needs.

Google support groups in your area using your child's learning issue.

Ask his behavioral ped for ideas and suggestions.

How old is he now?

:)

Hi there Ellen. I actually have three kids with learning disorders, two have Asperger's. My eldest son is in eight grade right now preparing o start high school in a public school. I just wanted you to know that is is going to be okay. You sound like an amazing mom and I know you love your son. The older the Asperger's kids get the easier gets for them. Although I am also worried about high school I know my son has better control over his self than he did when he was little. He understands his struggle and he is old enough to fight against it. He has lots of friends, has had several girl friends this year (not that I am entirely happy about that! lol). Our school district has a on of help for my son, though he is in integrated classes rather than in separate special ed classes. This means he is getting the same curriculum as his peers with the added support offered by having two teachers per class and special education back up.

I know you said you didn't really need advice, but I have one small bit to offer. In order to make the transition into high school you have to be an expert in the field of special education and your son's needs. You have to know the laws in your state and school district and you may have get in a few people's face with your knowledge to make them pay attention. Be a warrior mama for your son and all will go well.

Good luck with everything, I know how difficult it can be when you are frustrated and concerned all at once. You can do this, though!

I looked up the school and Wow its really expensive. As far as the learning disability what type is it there are many that can go to school with them.What troubles is he having in school and how old is he? As far as the other the dr's would have told you by now if they thought he had it. I have a 12 yr old son myself that has been labeled ADHD and ODD and some learning difficulties like having trouble reading numbers correctly. All kids have different issues sometimes they just need time and lots of extra attention. Most all schools have a way to implementing IEP's

I just wanted to share a story with you that might help. My older sister had Rett Syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum. She was in special ed for all her schooling in the public school system. At age 22 she graduated high school from a school that was predominately a different race from her. This was a really jovial group of kids and with every diploma given there was a big roar of cheering and applause. I was so nervous for her, that the would call her and there would be silence. The only people in the audience for her were myself, my mom and a family friend. I was determined to get on my feet and cheer my heart out. So they called her name and as she started to come out, I kid you not, that entire class of kids jumped to their feet and started cheering at the top of their lungs. It was unreal, I just sat there crying and dumbfounded. It was probably one of the most powerful moments of my life. So take heart, you never know what the future holds. Just take it a day at a time and see to it that every day you are giving him all you can to help him adjust to the best of his ability. Hang in there, it's going to be ok :)

I don't have much advice for you other than this....take it one day at a time. Try not to worry about high school right now. That is a long way off for him and many things may change between now and then. Just focus on helping him now in every way that you can and it will be okay. Do your best and just don't think too far ahead of yourself right now. I know it is hard!! Hang in there.