When my son David changed schools and enrolled in sixth grade, he wanted to explain to his classmates what Asperger's Syndrome is and how they could best relate to him. For many in the room, (including his teacher) this was the first time they had heard of the syndrome.
That day was a big day for David. Just now I asked him if he still had those notecards. He knew instantly where they were—five years later—and brought them to me immediately.
David sat on a stool in front of the class and read from these six notecards. The words are his and the idea to explain himself to his class was his as well. Two of his classmates from sixth grade remain very close friends five years later. I wish I had video, but picture a 12-year-old boy, new to the school, sitting on a stool in the front of modular classroom. This is what he shared:
There is no silver bullet for explaining Asperger's, but giving this short presentation to his classmates gave David a voice. More importantly, it gave his teacher and classmates permission and guidelines to help him be his best self.
This is me! Go Dad! =)
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