WELCOME TO JIM'S AUTISM BLOG





Hi everyone and thanks for visiting our blog. My wife and I created this blog to chronicle our experience while raising a son with Asperger's syndrome. Since our son was diagnosed with an ASD at age 5, we've had a lot of questions. Lucky for us we have a great support network in place. And our blog gives us an opportunity to share what we've learned with our readers. We hope you find our blog informative and interesting. Thanks again for visiting.


"It seems that for success in science and art, a dash of autism is essential." Dr Hans Asperger 1906-1980



Tuesday 25 September 2012

AN ASD QUESTION, WHEN IS CHANGE OKAY?

Eureka!
Jacob had a great weekend, even after a tough week in school (he only received 2 out of 10 stickers).  Which was what we expected since Jacob is much more behaved at home then while in class.  And this week has been great so we've been able to relax a bit when it comes to our concerns about Jacobs education and ongoing behavioural problems.

After last week in school, we considered introducing a drastic change into Jacobs school day.  Together, Shannie and I brainstormed some ideas on how to improve Jacobs behaviour while at the school.  We felt, that if we could get Jacob to act in class like he does at home, he'd be much better.  And the best idea that we came up was, me volunteering at Jacobs school.

I'm lucky that my job offers me a lot of downtime, which would allow me to be a regular fixture in Jacobs classroom.  I'm off work from January to mid April, and even when I'm working, I rarely work 5 days.  So we felt that me volunteering would be a good way to help Jacob stay focused in class.  Since Jacob is my clone, I understand some of his thinking even when one factor's in his aspergers.

When Jacob has homework, he usually gives some resistance.  But I can often get him to complete his work in a few minutes.  Jacob is much more behaved with me than he is with mom, but what kid isn't?  And I feel like if I was with him in class, he could get all of his work done.  On top of that, I'd be able to see first hand, how he works with his EAs.  Now I know that his EAs are professionals, but I'm sure I could help out in some way.

So that's where we are at right now.  But like I said earlier, his behaviour has been great so far.  And if Jacob becomes more consistent in having good days/weeks, then we don't think a huge change like me being there would create.  We also had to consider that Jacob likely views school as a form of independence.  And I know that sometimes when he acts out, it's just to release some built up emotion.  So I'm not submitting the paper work yet, but we've mentally already filled it out.  

2 comments:

  1. I think that's a great idea! It's always good to be as involved as possible, especially during the younger years.

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    Replies
    1. I don't really want to,but I'm willing to do it for my son. But if things go smoothly, it will remain a back up plan.

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