For the last two weeks my teens with autism have been in summer school. It’s a four hour course, four days a week, for four weeks. It’s the equivalent of a semester of school. I asked Ryan and Nick if they wanted to try this class. My hope is that their regular school year will be less stressful by taking a required class over the summer. They will be able to focus on one class, which is much easier for kids with autism to do.
I also have an ulterior motive. Ryan and Nick are very different, and I hope that their skills will benefit each other. For example, Nick is a perfectionist. He will study until he knows it, even if he fills himself with anxiety. No breaks. This sounds like a mother’s dream; he has an incredible work ethic. However, he gets chest pains, shortness of breath, and headaches. Not good.
On the other hand, Ryan is laid back when it comes to studying. There is always tomorrow, even if that final is tomorrow. Ryan has little concept of time. If there is a worksheet to complete, he can do that. There is a definitive beginning and end. However, studying? NOT going to happen unless he is prompted by me.
Another idea is that Nick, who is very social, will enable or inspire Ryan to talk. Nick has a difficult time talking, but he’s not afraid to try. Ryan can talk quite well, but he prefers to not engage in conversation. Nick will self-advocate; Ryan will not.
We’ll see how the two compliment or compete with each other.
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