Sunday, June 4, 2017

Conor Hits The 21 Wall This Friday, June 9 When School Days End


Conor Doherty September 6 2010 the Day Before His Full Transition to High School. 
Conor has loved his school time and we thank everyone who has contributed to his 
school experience as June 9, his last day in school, approaches

Transitions are challenging to our severely autistic son Conor.  Conor has been suffering from serious  anxiety attacks including earlier this morning at 5:45 am. The source of his anxiety has been present for most of the school year once Conor knew this would be his last year in the school system.  He loves school and his last day will be this Friday, June 9 and Conor knows it.

That does not mean that the challenges can not be overcome with planning, effort and time.  The picture above was taken September 6, 2010 the day before Conor began school at Leo Hayes High School.  Planning for his transition form Nashwaaksis Middle School to Leo Hayes High School actually began during his last year of middle school meeting with education aides who would be working with him and visiting Leo Hayes HS as we did in this "day before" picture.

Conor had difficulty in Grade school when he was in one of NB's "inclusive" classrooms where he was expected to learn while most of the kids were being instructed at a different learning level and without sensory challenges experienced by Conor.  Once we were able to convince education officials to remove Conor to a quieter learning location outside the mainstream classroom he was happy, and has been happy, ever since.  His disability challenges were accommodated outside the regular classroom thus allowing his inclusion in grade, middle and high school.

Conor has also shared many events especially swimming and including gym, daily lunch and end of day time at the LHHS resource center.  In an environment where his needs have been accommodated outside the mainstream classroom Conor has prospered and has absolutely loved his time in school, to the extent that he is not looking forward at all to June 9, next Friday when he ages out.

We are hopeful that Conor will adjust.  We have had meetings with Jobs Unlimited in Fredericton and are impressed by what we have learned.  It is hoped that Conor will start with Jobs Unlimited on June 12 2017 or as soon thereafter as possible.  We are optimistic. In the mean time though I would like to post a few  of the many  moments which Conor has enjoyed  throughout his school years:












No comments:

Post a Comment