First Days

Hi Readers!

Every child gets anxious about starting the school year. It is scary because it's new. You might not have friends in your class, or your teacher might not be exactly what you hoped for.

But for an autistic child, it is hard for entirely different reasons.

Today is my brother Bill's first day of school, and I wanted to share with you an email he sent out to his teachers explaining how he feels about it.

"Hi, my name is Bill and I'm in one of your classes this year. When I was 2 my Mum and Dad were told I have autism. I have attended regular school since Prep.

I still have lots of things that I get all mixed up, which are important that you know. I find it very hard to tell boys from girls, I also struggle to recognise old from young and any sort of social hierarchy. For example the groundsman looks and sounds the same to me as the Principal - you can imagine the trouble this could land me in.

I struggle to see when you are angry with me and I find it hard to know when I need to stop talking and listen. I also find it hard to look at you when you are talking, but it doesn't mean that I am not listening. Sometimes I also need some extra time to process your questions or maybe have them asked in a different way so that I can understand.

I get lost easily. I sometimes cry. I feel very humiliated when I am singled out and I can over-react, act inappropriately, or not respond at all. I am not very good at social interactions or explaining my feelings.

It may seem like I am trying to annoy you and others around me sometimes but I am incapable of that level of manipulation. I am just annoying sometimes. Please ask me to leave your class and go to learning support if this begins to happen because I am unable to recognise the warning signs.

I see things that you do not and these things are very real to me. I also have sensitive hearing and find loud noises and textas on paper very uncomfortable. If I suddenly become unsettled and disruptive it is best for everyone if I go to learning support. I do not respond like a normal child, my emotional age is still 6-9 years.

I like to sit in the same spot in the class everyday, close to the teacher, and not near students who make fun of me.

I like computers, playing computer games, and watching Japanese anime.

I am trying very hard everyday to understand, to fit in, and be accepted. It is terrifying for me everyday just to leave the house. I am quite anxious and still trying to adjust to high school.

Last of all I have a Mum and Dad, a big sister and a little brother that all love me very much. "

This really opened my eyes as to how hard it is for Bill just to go to school everyday. If you have a sibling in a similar situation, I would love to hear and share your experiences and advice. My email address can be found in the "About" section of this blog.

So if you see Bill around, give him a smile and look out for him. I promise you it will make his entire day.

Have a wonderful first week back!

Love,

E.