Even though my son is currently in 2nd grade, I can't help but wonder about his future especially once he finishes Elementary. My son is no longer in special education classes but he does need help in a lot of things. His school work for now isn't an issue, it's the normal everyday things he needs help with. Like opening his food, having to supervise him getting dressed, reminding him about things he needs to do etc. I'm just concerned about how he's going to do in middle school. Like the⦠read more
I know this is an old post, but wanted to tell you our story. Our son now 12 just started Middle School. He was diagosed as HFA when he was in 2nd grade. Our public elementary school was very supportive and immediately provided a 504 plan to allow accomodations, ie., having a "break" if he was getting overly frustrated and even a visit to the counselor's office just for a few minutes down time, extra time to complete at school work. The following year the IEP was in place and this will follow him through his school years. It allowed him in 4th Grade to have a classroom aide, she helped the whole class but, mainly she was helpful in keeping him focused and guiding him when frustrations got him off track. I was terrified of him leaving the school he knew, to a new middle school with so many more kids, rotating schedules, lockers, gym ect.., but through 4th and 5th grade he was maturing and starting to push back against the aide and actually in 5th grade they had to remove her from the class because he didn't need her (and refused her help) I tell you all this to encourage you and let you know they will continue to grow and change. It's still not without it's struggles, but it's every now and then. He has come a long way and we are so proud of him.
I understand your concern. My son just started middle school this year and he is generally in the same class all day except for specials like P.E., Art, etc. You should be able to have an aid accompany him to class if they find it necessary for him to transition from one class to the next. Also, there are so many changes/milestones in development from elementary to middle school that he may be able to do it just fine on his own by then. Of course, with help in the beginning of having someone show him what to do. Try not to stress over it too much! :)
Thank you for sharing your story. This gives me hope for my son.
I did not go to public school because I was home schooled with live link to middle and high school but I did do some classes at school and the school had a buddy system so someone always got be to the right room and back. It was great and took all the guess work out for me, maybe they have something like it, most good schools do I think
We were actually very anxious about this as well, and as long as our son had a go-to room at the school - where he could go for sensory overload, being overwhelmed, or any kind of help. It was a lifesaver. Hook them up with a specific teacher or 2 that are good go-tos... And that those teachers can and will contact you any time if needed. A good special ed counselor was a Godsend for us as well.