| 10. Inform the bus driver about your child's disability, special needs, and any potential problems. Find out about the bus rules. If there is assigned seating, make sure your child will not be seated near children who will harass him. 11. Stress to the school personnel the importance of intervening when bullying or mean-spirited teasing occurs in their presence. When they do not intervene, it gives our children and their schoolmates the message that it is okay to treat our children this way, and that they are deserving of this treatment. 12. Do not assume that the people at the middle school will communicate with each other about problems or potential solutions. Even if they intend to, things can get very hectic, and it might take a while. If your child has a problem, speak to his teacher, his case manager, and anyone else who can help come up with a solution or needs to be aware of problem situations. 13. Cultivate a friendship with at least one other parent of a middle schooler. (Hopefully one whose child is in class with yours.) You'll have someone to call in a panic if your child forgets to write down an assignment or if you can not figure out what an assignment is from what he has written down. This friend can also help you figure out what clothing and hairstyles will help your child blend in. Their child might let them know about any major problems developing for your child. You can also ask about general school atmosphere or events that your child may be unable to communicate to you. 14. Encourage your child to get involved in activities or clubs that are of interest to him. He may be able to connect with other students who have similar interests and eventually develop a friendship. 15. Do your best to get a social skills group started in your school. It will help your child improve social and coping skills. School staff can help him learn to general-ize these skills outside of the group. He will also have a chance to connect with other children who may not be completely hooked into a group of friends. 16. If you have found a skilled, intuitive professional outside the school setting who is experienced in teaching social skills to autistic spectrum children, have your child continue working with him/her. It is an investment in your child's future. I hope these tips and ideas will help smooth your child's path through middle school. I wish someone had clued me in to these before my son and I began our middle school odyssey. back to "Mostly for PARENTS" HOME |