Our Aspergers Teenage Boy

Dad reports:
* Tommy came back from his group therapy cranky. Yelled at me several times and threw his shirt down angerly angrily (the wife was right).
* Bathed. And came to dinner happier.
* Now in bed reading calmly.

Tommy barely looked up from his book to say “Bye Mom” as he left for school today. Granted, he can get lost in a book, but he also uses books, sleep, food, etc. when he wants to hide. Focus everything on the one thing and ignore everything else. It is certainly a technique that has a time and place.

Skip forward several hours to me picking Tommy up at school. Tommy walked in the office looking like he’d been rolling on the floor. Dirty, clothes wrinkled, hair messy. As we left the school I asked about his day. “Not so bad.” Translation – Not so good. I read the planner that his teacher scribbles notes to me in as I drove to Tommy’s group appointment. Tommy elaborated as I read and asked questions for more details. In math the class started learning something new. They also got back a test from last week. Tommy failed the test but in all fairness it was his first Algebra test ever AND we never knew about it to help him prepare. The teacher has a note from me about that in the planner. Anyway, Tommy was upset and nervous so he started acting silly and escalated the giggling and immature behaviors until he had to be taken from the room. Second problem – Today was a class “ice cream party” that Tommy had been looking forward to (understatement) and his behavior in Math made him ineligible for the party. Much crying and sobbing.

Fast forward again to group. Tommy is reading calmly when another Mother and her son and I start talking. Tommy wants to join in but the conversation quickly overstimulates Tommy and he gets silly. The boys get called back for group and almost immediately Tommy is in the hall for a timeout. As soon as he went back in the room, I headed out for errands. When I came back he was calm and happy.

Came home screamed at Dad when told to take a bath. “Why?! I just walked in! Can’t I have a minute?!” Then calmly bathed, came out and ate and is now reading in bed. I should have asked him to turn his lights out 10 minutes ago but I think he needs the calm-down time.

Tommy was so jazzed that he ate breakfast pacing back and forth. When the bus showed up he practically sprinted out of the house (which is unusual for Tommy because he has one speed. When you tell him to hurry up he says “Ok” and continues at the same pace.). I personally fear a disaster.

This Morning
Tommy received medicine at 7am. He rides the bus today for the first time. This should be interesting.