Clara's Interlude

I want to take just a moment and include an update to something from the September post. I had mentioned that Clara was having a rough time transitioning to her new school. I had, of course, expected that. What I did not expect was that to include behavioral issues that disrupt the class. A call from Clara's teacher brought to my attention temper tantrums, crying fits, hiding under her desk, negative attitude toward routine work and resistance to help. The teacher seemed convinced that Clara would be better suited back at her base school, due to her emotional immaturity. A meeting with the teacher and the special education teacher really turned things around. What I found completely frustrating was that this meeting was the first time that these two educators had sat down in the same room to discuss Clara. As happy as I am that this meeting did take place, I am angry that it didn't take place before school started. I am also a little angry that Clara's teacher wouldn't listen to me when I would mention the Asperger's, her response being that she's had kids with AS before and their behavior was always age-appropriate. Clara's teacher learned so much during this meeting, the biggest lesson being that much of the issues were Asperger's-related. Clara's teacher even went so far during the meeting to suggest, again, that Clara would be better off at her base school, to which the special education teacher replied that if Clara can do the work, then she belongs here. Bingo! Finally, someone on our side!! Anyway, that meeting was back in October and things have been so much better since. Clara still has some rough patches, but she is able to keep it under control and not let it be disruptive. She has also become good friends with a girl in her class, which has been a true help socially. I really see her thriving now and loving school.