Aspies For Freedom

Hi,

I am a NT mom of a HFA 5 year old boy named Dylan. I am hoping for some advice.......

Let me start by telling you about my son Dylan.  He is obsessed with trains and cars.  He loves to chew wet face cloths and hates wearing pants and socks. He has taught me so much in the past few years and along with his little sister is the greatest thing in my life.

He has been at a wonderful school for the past 2 years in a classroom that has children that are NT and children that have speech delays, autism, etc.... where he receives speech, occupational and physical therapy.  He has been doing great, he has a best friend that he plays with everyday and he loves going to school.  He is getting ready to go kindergarten in the fall so I am getting ready to meet with the school district.  He has "tested out" of OT and PT but will continue with speech next year.  So my question is mainstream or inclusive classroom???  

My fear is that he will get lost in a "mainsteam" classroom and regress.  He has been in such a nurturing enviroment for the past 2 years with teachers that understand his "quirks" and let him learn at is own pace.  He has alot of difficulty with change of enviroment and routine and I just want whats best for him.  Do you think it matters if if the teacher is regular ed or special ed.  Or if there are other children with similar diagnosis's????  

I know that this may seem not such a big deal to most but I just want the best for him.  He is so smart and I would hate for him to be lost in a classroom with 20+ kids and 1 teacher.  I would appreciate any and responses!!

Thanks

Bullying is a HUGE problem in mainstream classes whether they are inclusive or not.

Thanks for the responses!!  I am afraid of bullying the most.  He is so intelligent and sweet but my biggest fear is how the world will treat him.  People have told me that I am too over protective if him.  But I can't help it!!  They have told me that there is no difference in the academics in either classroom.  But maybe karate isn't a bad idea.....Is there anyway to teach him to deal with other mean kids that will make fun of him because he is different??  The so called "differences" make him who he is and I just want him to be able to be the best at whatever he does in life.....

It depends on the day he is having whether a large crowd will effect him.  But he has had a tough year in his personal life.  His father and I recently got divorced and we have moved.  So I just am afraid with everything else that has happened a transition to kindergarten will be extra difficult on him.  So I am trying to figure out the best school setting for him.....

but being labelled a psycho,means that people are less likely to attack you-i know this from experience.
in this country,the system for bullies in schools just changed-the victims will now not get punished for fighting back.rather,they get the privilege of choosing the punishment for their bully.be that cleaning to toilets,or litter-picking.

personally,i think that if you choose to have them clean the loo,they are just going to want revenge on you...but the school then has a precedent,and are in a position to expel said bully.

Aikido.