Adventure #6: Kindergarten!!

This has been a slow week as far as us getting out into the community.  For one really big reason:  Noah started kindergarten today.  Geoff and I, with knots in our stomachs, drove him to his new school.  We had plenty of worries that any parent experiences sending their child off to kindergarten and a few more that may be unique to a special needs parent.  Like all parents we worried about the transition to a school setting and how well he would get along with his teacher and the other students in his class.

One of our biggest, and maybe more unique, concerns is that Noah is non-verbal and can't communicate to us about anything.  This made explaining what was happening difficult, because we really don't understand how much he comprehends when we talk to him.  It also means he can't tell us if anything goes wrong during the day that he needs our help with.  Like if there are any mean kids he needs us to beat up. 

Another unique concern was we weren't sure if his teacher and classroom aids had experience with someone like Noah.  Noah has been difficult to diagnose for a reason, he doesn't quite act like other kids.  He is considered Autistic because he meets the criteria for a diagnosis, but every doctor believes there is more going on with Noah than ASD.  Noah can hit, kick, bite, head butt, oh, and his new one, pinch your swishy bits when he feels overstimulated, like he needs attention, when he is mad, or just thinks being naughty will be funny.  Would the teachers be prepared for that?

With all of our reservations and concerns we brought Noah into his classroom.  He explored with interest and we quietly left while wringing our hands.  Geoff and I gave each other pep talks and went home.  While we anxiously waited for 10:45am to pick him up, the school called twice.  In utter panic I answered the phone both times.  First was the school nurse, calling to say he was having a good day.  The second was the classroom teacher calling to give me a report that he was doing really well.  Apparently our nerves were pretty obvious!  We were able to return to school much calmer than we left it.

Noah's first day of kindergarten was a success.  I am excited for him to spend time with new people and learn new skills.  Now we just need to conquer the school bus, but we are putting that off until next week!