A Letter To The Staff at My Daughter’s School

Ariane Zurcher emmashopebook.com All examples are misunderstandings or things that have been said and done to Emma by someone within a school setting. My daughter, Emma will be at your school this year. A few days ago, Emma told me she was “scared to go to new school.” Emma loved her teachers and friends from her old school. So I want to introduce you to her. I cannot speak for Emma, I cannot know if everything I write here is completely accurate, but these are things I have learned over the years, things that are specific to Emma and that may be helpful, at least that is my hope. Sometimes Emma does not look at you when you are speaking to her, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t hear you. Her hearing is excellent. She may not know how to process what you’ve said or she may not know what…

Autism & Back-to-School: What Do You Wish You Knew?

Does back-to-school make your stomach do backflips? Ours, too. So we asked some of TPGA’s contributors what they wish they’d known — as parents, or as students — about the back-to-school season. Here’s what they shared: Mir Kamin wouldashoulda.com I knew it was okay to press for what my kid needed, but it took me a really long time to learn that it was also okay to admit when it’s time to stop trying to hammer your square peg into a round hole (and go find a square hole). I never in my wildest dreams expected to be a part-time homeschooler/unschooler, and yet it turned out to be a wonderful solution for our family once I gave up on the assumption of “making it work” with public school. Mind you, classroom accommodations provided by my son’s IEP worked for a while … until they didn’t. I’m so glad I finally…

Starting Third Grade

Judy Endow, MSW judyendow.com Too much new                   for back to school                                     is why I just                    don’t like it,                   though                                      each new thing                                               all by                    itself                                                           is entirely                                                                             acceptable. New shiny shoes                   I do so love                                      new ribbons in                my hair                   a freshly pressed                                      brand new pink                  dress                                                   Oh       …….                                                            ain’t I                                                                             debonair! My satchel packed                   with all new things                                      with all the stuff I                need                   sits on the floor                                      next to the                    door                                                just waiting                                                            for me                                                                             to leave! New class lists                    posted on the                 doors;                                      the students find their                names.                      They take their                   seats                                      and wait to                   see                                                   what will                                                         this brand new teacher                                                             say! “Unpack supplies.                    Get settled in.                                      My name is on the                   board.”                    On and on…