My 15-year-old with Asperger Syndrome will be moving from a special needs school back into our local public high school. It is his own choice. I know it is good for him to be back in district. But yesterday I was reminded of all the benefits of not being mainstreamed. I went to the talent show at his school and sat there with tears running down my face, and I never cry in public.

These kids are allowed and encouraged to totally be themselves. There were off-key solos, not to funny knock knock jokes, out of sync dancers. My son was front and center playing only the cymbals in a musical group. In this school since every child has special needs there is no need to try to ram that square peg into the round hole. The teachers are more free also. They performed with the children, and by themselves and what a talented group. And there was no consciousness on the teachers part how special this was. It is what they do every day of the school.

Next year I will be talking to my son about what he has to do to fit in better and what he needs to do to fly under the radar and not become a target, but yesterday he was a rock star.

I know exactly how you feel. We want our kids to be successful and reach as high as they can but we also want them to be accepted and appreciated.

Ellen - well I hope you took lots of photos of the Rock Star! It sounds like your son has made a decision and I hope it works out.

WELL SAID!!!! You put that quite nicely!

A.

The world is full of challenges for all kids, sounds like your son as decided to face his. He may suprise you.

Thats was beautiful......I wish your son well in all the choices that he makes.

Thank you. It just goes to show, everyone has different needs and I feel lucky that we have the chance to make those choices. Good Luck to your Rock Star - Rock on!!