Funny how things come all the way around. My little boy is going to transfer to the elementary school I went to 30 years ago we moved because I am getting divorced from his dad. I drove up to the school and parked the car. When my feet were taking me towards the path to the front office I choked up. The classroom to my left was the classroom I attended 2nd grade in. I could feel my grandmothers spirit so strong there. It was in that room I celebrated grandparents day with her when I was 7 years old. Things were young and innocent then. She was always going to be here in my life wasn't she? I choked up because she in fact is with me especially in that moment to comfort my fears of sending my special baby to a new place. She'd be there to protect him.
I walked into the front office and was greeted by the secretary and she wasn't notified I'd be coming. Luckily, the principle was waiting for me to give me the tour. A lot of things are the same and a few things have changed. I got a good feeling about the school. We toured the campus and the principle mentioned she told the students in my sons new general ed class a new student was coming on Tuesday. The teacher informed them that his name is Jordan and he has Autism. The kids in the class squealed with delight as there is a boy in that class who is also Autistic and the kids love him. This is a relief. Maybe there will be less starring and more involvement because they understand Autism.
We went into the brick building in the back of the campus and turned left walked down a hall and took another left into the Extended Resource Room. The teachers aides were warm and welcoming. The students all special needs were very content and happy. One girl with a round adorable face and bangs cut straight across her forehead looked at me and said proudly "Hi! How are you?" She was a sweetie.
As we exited the classroom we stopped to talk and my hand was on the classroom door handle. I had a flashback of being separated from the other students for the academic portion of school time to work in that same room. Back then they didn't call it special ed. They called it a resource room. They didn't call me Autistic. They called me a slow learner who was nervous and a hyper child that would not pay attention. I am glad they have a name for what my son has. I am glad we can help him.
