New School District

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Greetings, all.

My girlfriend has a 9 year old aspie named Billy. Her and I have been dating for over a year, and we are ready to take the next step: Engagement and moving in together.

Thing is, we will be getting a place that will put Billy in a new school district. This school district has a lot more resources for special needs kids than his current one. Also, my brother in law (Billy's future uncle) works in this school district as a band director and a music teacher (a subject Billy has failed in the past for not paying attention). They get along great, and I think it will be a good way to introduce Billy to the other teachers and administration if Uncle JR shows him around.

Now, here is where I need some advice: Uncle JR will be the only person who knows him or who he knows in the new school district. We are a little worried that it will be difficult for him to cope.

Any advice for easing the transition would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Jim, congratulations on the engagement (or pending engagement; wasn't quite clear on that). Either way, I wish your new family all the best.

Easing the transition .... well, definitely get in with the new special education team as soon as possible, and make sure that his new teacher will know about Billy's accommodations before day 1. Don't assume that any of that information will automatically be transferred; even going from elementary school to middle school in the same school district, we found my son's new teachers were unaware.

Knowing a few of the kids that will be in class beforehand would be great. If you could get in contact with any parent group rep's and see if there are any boys Billy's age with a shared interest or two (computers, if I recall), it would do well for Billy to have met them before school starts.

Give him a full tour of the new school, let him be inside his new classroom if possible, and basically give him as much information as possible on what will be the same, and what will be different.

Thanks! Not engaged yet, but we will be, probably in a few months.

All very good suggestions. Much appreciated.

I have a friend who is married to an Aspie, and I asked my friend's husband. He said that the "only viable option" in his opinion was for me to move so Billy could stay in the same school district, but since that would put me an hour and a half from work, it isn't going to happen. But, I want to do everything in my power to make this an easy transition for him... or at least as easy as humanly possible.

He is going to start 4th grade next month, so we are going to wait until next summer to move in. He would be switching schools anyway going into 5th grade, so his mom and I thought that would be the best time.

Hi Jimbeaux,
I also have a 10 year old with HFA/Aspergers...We have been through the new school thing and what has helped Trev is not just one tour of the school before it starts, but MANY. Also, getting permission for my child to walk through the actual classroom, touch things in the room, see where his desk will be, meet the teacher without having the chaos of the other kids around...I agree with the previous post also...don't assume that the teachers are going to be aware of your childs IEP and accomodations...even his diagnosis. I always write a letter to Trevor's teacher, make multiple copies, and distribute to the principal, gym teacher, music, art, any teachers they may be switching classrooms with....I just outline some of his individual characteristics and then some of the major accomdations and or behavior tactics that we use at home.... I always try to make as many contacts as possible...because I have found if you don't, the school may not really awknowledge and/or put into action the accomodations that your son needs...
Soo