My son Tommy starts high school in a week. He'll be a junior this year. I can hardly believe it. He also has autism. I was worried when he first started high school. Heck, I was worried when he started Kindergarten. Would kids be nice to him? Would he be okay?
But he's impressed me with all he's accomplished. And he's learned some lessons along the way.
1. Students are loud. Tommy tells me the hallways are filled with people shouting. He doesn't understand why people have to yell.
2. You don't always look like others. Tommy prefers to have long hair. I used to always take him in to get his hair cut. One day he went, "I don't want it cut. I'm growing it out." I have to remember that it's his hair.
3. It's okay if you don't play sports. They are not for everyone. There's no point in being miserable joining a sport you don't love.
4. People might assume you're a genius thanks to movies or shows that depict people with autism. (Think Rainman and The Good Doctor.) Tommy tells people, "I wish I were a math genius. I hate math."
5. School dances have too many people. It's okay to skip them. It's your high school experience, not anyone else's.
6. Dress for comfort. You don't always have to go for the most expensive clothes to fit in. You don't have to look like the other boys in their oversized shorts and colorful socks pulled up to their knees.
Tommy was a fan of this t-shirt and hat from Peace Frogs. Peace Frogs is a company that helps promote positive and optimistic thinking throughout the world. They also have a #spreadthepeace campaign--it basically reminds everyone to be kind and stop with the hate! You can get your own #spreadthepeace sticker here.
Tommy can be picky about what he wears due to sensory issues, but he says the shirt and hat didn't bother him.
The back of the shirt is especially true.
7. You might not ever be in a relationship throughout high school. Concentrate on yourself. Love sometimes happens when you least expect it.
8. People might not get you. But it's their loss. Not yours.
I know my son will have a good year. He might even learn more lessons. No matter what, I'll always be here for him.
To learn more about Peace Frogs, you can check them out at the following:
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Well Autism is something which people should not take lightly. And I agree most of your point especially sports point, I feel not everyone is cut out for sports and I still dunno why people make a big deal. It is almost everywhere.But I agree with quote "All Those Who Not Wander Are Lost".
ReplyDeleteHe will be fine. There is so much more awareness about Autism now and he has you.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking for a school for my daughter who will turn 3 soon. So, I'm worried too but then I'll be there with her every step of the way. You make some wonderful points.
I can't believe he's a junior. Those clothes look great on him!
ReplyDeleteYou are a better mom than I am. I have very strict rules when it comes to hair and if my kids want it long, it will have to be after they move out someday LOL.
ReplyDeleteTommy is growing up to be himself. No different from other teenagers trying to figure it all out.
ReplyDeleteYou have given me a good insite into what things are like thank you. A better understanding.
ReplyDeleteKids really do grow up fast!! What a great list though, sounds like some great insight to those dealing with autism and high school at the same time. I'm sure he'll do great this year!
ReplyDeleteHappy School Year! Love seeing your kid express himself through his hair, his clothes, his style. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteIt is so great that you are getting through high school and enjoying every minute. My daughter starts senior year and it is a lot of pressure to prepare for college.
ReplyDeleteHigh school is really tough years. I love all of the tips that you provided. My son is entering in his sophomore year and he's still adjusting.
ReplyDeleteHe will definitely be fine. All this lessons also should work for our day to day lives. We never stop learning
ReplyDeleteI know your son will do fine. I'm so glad you let him know that it's OK not to play sports and it's OK to skip school dances if they make him uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI can tell he has a great support system and that he gets it. Good for him. Why do I think he will be just fine?? :)
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredible share. Tommy seems like an awesome high schooler!!
ReplyDeleteSo true- all of it. And I never was in a single relationship in high school. There weren't a lot of options for me there. Luckily college had more options for me!
ReplyDeleteWow I like his confidence. And definitely as a mom you should get worried about attitude and behaviours of others towards your son but it's general. Let him be. He is best in his own style. Let be confident and appreciate what your son do and what he want to do
ReplyDeleteTommy knows himself and what he does and does not like and that is a great thing. Here's to a great junior year for him!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's almost time for back to school. I like the t-shirt, it looks really comfy. With his confidence, I bet he'll have a great school year.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post. High school can be scary for anyone! I remember not having any friends for several months just because I was so nervous.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you with a lot of these things. My daughter will be in high school next year and I am kind of terrified.
ReplyDeleteHigh school is really difficult and memorable year, it is so great that you are getting through high school, I have a lots of memories of those days, This is such a great post. but kids get a very good and bad experience from those days
ReplyDeleteHe will definitely be fine. High school is really difficult to start and it will be more memorable. This is such a great post.
ReplyDeleteHigh school can be a difficult period for some kids. I am sure he will be fine. He has such a great support system :)
ReplyDeleteI had fun with my high school years, but more fun during college. Hope your young man will enjoy it too and build many HS memories.
ReplyDeleteYou have some amazing points there. Totally agree with you on number 8.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a heartfelt post - you're such a good mama! Also, totally love the back of his t-shirt, too. It is so true and such a beautiful quote!
ReplyDeleteTime flies so fast! I love how confident he is, it's important to have self confidence during that age. He sure has learned valuable lessons that he can also apply as he grows older.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be venturing into high-school next year so this was an amazing read for me! Thank you for sharing your tips and experience!
ReplyDeleteTommy is growing up to be amazing and independent! He's definitely a confident and strong boy, which I admire! It's really nice to see him be himself more. These lessons are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt's so important to let them express their individuality, with autism or not. These are all important things to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteTommy is a strong boy, you are very lucky to have him. I really adore you a lot. You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story! It's definitely ok to look different - long hair, different clothes - all important to test out different styles and express oneself. I wish him all the best in the new year!!!
ReplyDeleteTommy sports those clothes very well. It’s never a good thing to force our kids into sports or any other activities that they have no interest in. Glad he’s doing so well!
ReplyDeleteYou are an awesome mama with an amazing son! He is so strong! <3
ReplyDeleteHe is very lucky to have you as his Mom! He will do great because he has you behind him.
ReplyDeleteWhat an eye-opening post! I never really thought about this. Things sure are different. I can tell that you're a great mom and he seems like a great boy as well. I wish you guys well. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteSo much about autism but for sure, I love how your son knows what he wants; he'll surely do just fine . Above all, it's good that he concentrates on himself and loves himself. I must admit that I like his hair locks.Cheers to him!
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