@lisalucier, I commend you for your efforts at making that little boy feel comfortable and included!

I agree with my friend and colleague, @gingerw, that more training should be given accross the board: schools, churches, day cares, scouting groups, law enforcement personnel, and community leaders .

With my experience and my mindset (actually autistic) I would have been on cloud nine just to have someone like you in my corner. From your recounting of events, I sense that you focused intently on determining the best method of working with your student. That's the best we can all do.

What works for one child won't work necessarily for another. At our last General Conference of my church, when registering ahead of time, there were questions you had to answer about your children. They wanted to know if any of them had any particular special needs that needed to be addressed. As an aside, the Director of the childrens department was an actual physician. She was wonderful! She knew exactly what to ask. Obviously she had educated herself in the area of special needs. She made sure that all the carers and teachers had a basic understanding of what is expected when working with a child with special needs.

I suppose it's not that hard for me, because I grew up being around kids with exceptional needs. I was different, myself. I was raised to emphasize the positive in each person , and to give support wherever needed. But individuals who did not share my upbringing can learn what to do and how to do it. Love for children goes a long way. And listening, instead of always speaking. You did great, Lisa!

Now, what Ginger said about rhe responses people have...unfortunately, she is spot on. Most of us have encountered these types many times over.

Some want to be of assistsnce, and try to learn all rhey can. They want to help! Let them.

Others are so taken aback, they are useless. Beat a,hasty retreat.

Then there are those who are totally against having children "like that" involved in their program. Run as fast as you can. Or stand your ground and fight for your child. The choice is yours. If you are in tune with your child, the right choice will reveal itself to you. Way the pros and cons. Then make the best decision you can.

It is getting late. Surgery tomorrow at the crack of dawn. But I will be back on here. This is one of the most rewarding ways to spend one's time. The Spectrum Community is full of exciting new discoveries, opportunities for sharing what works, and educational programs to assist families with children. Adult ASD members are not left out in the cold, either. Social Groups, Advocacy Groups, and even cartoons are being used to connect isolated menbers in ways unheard of even ten years ago.

The future is bright. We are indeed, better together.

Love and light,
Mamacita Jane