Another first day at school.

Off we go again. This time armed with a far better understanding, a heap more direction, and a team of people committed to Cyclone, his education and happiness.

I spent a LOT of time being pissed off at the lack of choice. I found a perfect school, one with a philosophy I truly believed in, but since it was non-government - getting funding for help in the classroom was near impossible.

There are schools that specialise in Autism....but not for Aspergers. Cyclone is a challenging student and will take up much of a teachers time. He needs a classroom Aide to help him with his anxiety and stress. Funding-wise he will be better off in Government school as it's far easier to obtain. Due to the complete idiocy of this other stupid school we were left with no enrolment, no funding and the year is nearly over.

Therefore I had to enrol him at the closest local as they are obligated to take him. I don't really like it at first. It's kinda ugly, no trees and lots of concrete. I have Cyclone's little sister enrolled to start Prep at the school in the next suburb because I love the environment. Lots of open grassy spaces, plenty of trees and a huge open junior class area with huge picture windows.

I know it sounds silly but environment is important to me ok?

It turns out the local primary school is huge on integration, they have students with all sorts of abilities and a parent group for support.

I made an appointment with the principal to explain the situation. She checked my street address.....to make sure of their obligation. At the meeting I told them the story so far - starting school, stopping, homeschooling, being messed around and my need to get back to work. I gave them the reports so far and arranged for more.

I think being aware of rights/obligations and the fact I am realistic about the situation has helped make a good relationship with the school so far. I get the impression a lot of superkid parents just want the school to fix things themselves or are in complete denial of their childs issues. I keep being told what a great job I am doing and how they appreciate the support. I tell them I appreciate them moving things around to accomodate Cyclone and that we will surely have a happier little boy doing great things soon.

So far Cyclone attends for one hour a day. The plan is to establish a relationship with the integration Aide (who was already there), to have a positive experience and feel safe at school. So far they just play games but yesterday the Aide had him reading a book and writing numbers. Already!

We know there will be a reversal, there will be hiccups but this term isn't about academia. It's about laying down a strong foundation for the rest of Cyclones primary years. We hope he will be there 3 hours a day by the end of term.

I have registered for homeschooling again for this term, as I will continue to handle the basics. Even though I'm a bit crap at it, I'm finding more information about the Aspy brain and how it learns. Very interesting, I feel like I'm finding little keys everywhere.