Asperger Diaries: Jamie's New School (17 page)

The
socialisation aspect isn’t working too well. Jamie went to a drama
club a couple of times, but he didn’t want to go again. The problem
is that most clubs are based around sport. Jamie simply isn’t
interested in sport, but we do go swimming once a week. I’m getting
fitter if nothing else. Every week we meet a few kids who are
home-schooled. I have a coffee with the parents while the kids
spend time together. Jamie isn’t over enthusiastic, but he hasn’t
refused to go yet. I find it useful to swap ideas with the other
parents. Some have been home-educating for years. I hoped Jamie
would be able to keep in touch with Rocky, but Rocky appears to
have moved on. I telephoned him the other day to see if he wanted
to come over. He was very polite, but he said he had too much
homework. There was something in his voice that made me think that
he was using that as an excuse. I didn’t push it, and I didn’t tell
Jamie I had called him.

I would like to
get Jamie back into school, but I can’t see that happening for some
time. He hasn’t seen the consultant yet. Even when he does, it
sounds as though it might be months before he gets a formal
diagnosis. I need to find a school that understands and caters for
children with A.S. I’ve already started to look around, but so far
it has been quite disappointing. A few schools make all the right
noises, but that is about as far as they go. I haven’t given up.
Mary’s boy goes to a special school. I’m not sure if that would
suit Jamie or not. From what Mary has told me, she had to battle
for years to get him a place there.

I am absolutely
sure Jamie does have A.S. I have spent so much time researching,
and met so many other parents of children with A.S. that there is
now zero doubt in my mind. We just need the paperwork to confirm
it. Andrew still refuses point blank to believe it. He won’t even
discuss it with me. It occurred to me a few weeks ago that Andrew
has more than a few A.S. traits himself. It would certainly explain
the steam engines. I am resigned to doing this with or without
Andrew’s support. I haven’t said anything about A.S. to Jamie yet.
What would I say? That I THINK he might have A.S.? What if it turns
out that I am wrong? I have to wait until it is official. What
then? Do I tell him straight away or wait until he is older? Joe
said he thought it would be better to tell him. He said that Helen
had been a little shocked at first, but is now much happier. She
had always known that she was different, now she knew why. I still
go to the Tuesday support group. Most of the parents there agreed
it would be best to tell Jamie once I was sure. I don’t know how I
will tell him, or how he will react.

Jamie told me
he has added a diary to his Christmas list. He said he is going to
keep one again next year. I might do the same. Next year promises
to be an interesting year.

Merry
Christmas!

Asperger
Diaries' web site:

http://www.AspergerDiaries.com

Author's web
site:

http://www.HBLawson.com