Good News Letter to the Autism SA Community
I Just wanted to share with everyone our good news
After twelve long years of many trials and tribulations our son Ethan who has Asperger's Syndrome has finally graduated from year 12. It has not been an easy journey especially in the beginning but he did come home sailing.
I clearly remember the first meeting I attended in trying to get Ethan into the mainstream school. The Principal had clearly indicated he did not want him and had included the Occupation Health and Safety Officer in the meeting because he believed Ethan to be a physical threat. He was 5 years old!!!
Ethan was accepted due to the fantastic support we received from the Autism Association and the local kindergarten. They offered valuable strategies and advice which enabled Ethan to begin his adventure. Things did not go smoothly. Many tears were shed (and that was from me his mother) but he continued on, meeting new challenges everyday. Ethan had a permanent seat in the "reflection room" (detention room), I was always getting called to meetings and Ethan even had to endure being labelled "freak" by one of his earlier teachers. At the end of grade three there was a big meeting to discuss sending Ethan to the Behavioural Unit but the conclusion was to give him one more term with a new teacher before sending him there. Largs North Primary obtained a new Principal Sue Le Poidevan who became one of his biggest advocates and supporters. Sue Le Poidevan and his new teacher, Mr Michael McGlinchey (Largs North Primary) were given strategies on how to work with Ethan from our then family worker Madhavi Nawana and the book "Asperger's Syndrome" by Tony Attwood. Michael took the time to read the book and apply strategies devised and Ethan's schooling life was turned around. No behavioural unit and no more visits to the "reflection room" on a daily basis. In the following four years he did not return there once. I think the big difference was that Michael accepted Ethan, a young boy who had "Asperger's Syndrome" who was not deliberately out to be naughty or disruptive. On teaching Ethan for two years, Michael's wife Leah took over and the journey continued. Ethan won the Grade seven school Boys Dux award.
The last five years have gone quickly. Definitely a few big bumps along the way and then finally year 12. Ethan had wonderful support from his Special Education teacher Pam Jacobs (Ocean View College - public School) who would call me often to give me updates (even on a Sunday) on how he was going and any concerns she may have had. Along the way his social skills have improved immensely, has made friends and has not needed to resort to his maps for stress relief. Through practices set up in Primary school he now plays cricket and is enjoying a "social life" outside of school.
The last month has been quite stressful for him as with all other students doing their year 12 exams. Unfortunately the pressure got to him on his most favourite subject Japanese and he had an anxiety attack whilst in the exam. Through vital support from his Japanese teacher (Nicole Versteeg) we were able to get him over this. We definitely had very serious concerns on his welfare after this episode. Ethan decided that he knew he was not going to get a good grade but if he passed then he would be happy.
Results came yesterday and he passed Japanese, accounting, excelled in his Maths exam and is now off to Government House because he scored a 20 for his Community Studies subject- Environment and the Community. Mind you this will now set us another hurdle to work with. Not sure he will want to attend because of all the people who will be there. If he goes I will definitely send a photo.
Mostly I wanted to share with you the words said by the Principal Lynn Symons of Ocean View College regarding our Ethan at the year 12 Graduation.
‘I remember the first time I met Ethan, when he stood in front of the whole school assembly and named all the capital cities in the world. He has paved the way for many children so that they too may enjoy school and learn. We are so proud of Ethan as his parents are. Ethan has taught us and for that we say Thank you.’
Many thanks for everyone who have helped us in getting Ethan this far. I know a new journey begins and how that will go I do not know but I am sure it will be a lot better than we thought 14 years ago.
Thanks
Ethan's proud parents
Vicki and James McQueer