Aspergers

For a year I have been teaching a young lad with Aspergers syndrome. I had no idea what it was until the parents explained it to me and I googled it. Lack of prediction and needs routine. Everything is black or white and no grey. Takes things literally so if you say it's cool, he thinks it's cold. Looks blank at times and cannot comprehend humour or sarcasm. This made teaching him to drive an enjoyable challenge.

Today he took his test but sadly he failed. He just did one thing wrong. In a one way street he was asked to turn right but he was positioned on the left side of the road. He was very gentlemanly to the examiner and thanked him and although disappointed at failing was deservedly pleased at his result. He got a few minors so there is a bit of work to do. I just wish he had seen the one way sign.

What an excellent post Rita.
Laney and I couldn't agree more with your description as we have first hand knowledge of living with Aspergers for 20 years now with our son Liam. People with Aspergers are quite often wrongly maligned by others more fortunate. Your statement.. 'everything is black and white and no grey' could not be more accurate.

Our best wishes to the lad, don't let him give up, he deserves to succeed.

As well as suffering from Hemiplegia, our youngest son (ok there's only 15 minutes between them, but technically still the youngest) was diagnosed with Aspergers a couple of years back. Totally agree that the description of only seeing things in black & white is absolutely spot on.

Keeps us updated how he gets on.

Interesting Rita, and the subsequent people's posts too. One of my dear friends, who is a member of the Clubman Estate Register, has a daughter with this (that's the reason we started the Thong Run, collecting for the NAS). He's not far from you, Rita (Worcester Park) and his daughter has just gone to a secondary school specifically for Autistic (etc.) children. At this school, they teach them to be self sufficient: she can now cook a pizza, and they made arrangements with a local supermarket for the children to go there at a quiet time, and shop by themselves, getting items on a list from their parents, armed with a £5 note. It sounds a fantastic place.
There are some nice things happening in society - sort of restores your faith.

Well done Rita, hope you get him through next time.


R.

Our lad had 3 years at a Residential College Richard. He then went through what was described to us to be a 'seamless transition into independant living'. This is where the local Social Services (Adult Department)become involved. Alas, it sounded easier than it has become in reality. One word......  budgets...... therein lies the problem we are still experiencing. I can only comment on our experience in Devon, I hope your friend's daughter is luckier than our son with his problems on the Autistic Spectrum.
Having met lots of young men and girls with the same problem, they are really nice, warm, friendly, polite youngsters who have a desire to please.

Not intended as a rant, just an honest view by a parent.

Roll on August !!!!

Yeah, agree to all that has been said here.
I am eagerly awaiting the start of my new job...... I have been a community carer for 9+  yrs now
and felt it time for a more indepth position, putting my nvq2 care to its full potential. My new job will be support worker for children and young adults with a physical disability plus learning disability. Looking forward, very much.

Rita, I was just talking to my friend from Worcester Park, and he says he knows a lad of about 18 from your area who has Aspergers. Wouldn't it be strange if it was the same one yo're teaching. My friend was pleased to hear that someone with Aspergers was learning to drive, and full of admiration for you, for teaching him.

Thought you'd like to know.


R.

Yes it would be. My lad is called Blake. He's hunting for a cancellation but I had to deter him from one at 8.10. Not a good time of day, picking him up at 6.30 and warming up in rush hour.

I saw Blake again today after an agreed little break. We did the complete test route he failed on and he was a little happier when today he saw the 3 one way traffic signs he missed on his test. The road includes a 90 degree, car width only kink in the road with the railway going over the top. He also missed the arrows on the road positioning him right. He said he was focusing on the arch too much. He has his next test booked May/June half term as he has exams. I've asked him to look for an Easter cancellation as he is so test ready.

Quoted from Bumble

I saw Blake again today after an agreed little break. We did the complete test route he failed on and he was a little happier when today he saw the 3 one way traffic signs he missed on his test. The road includes a 90 degree, car width only kink in the road with the railway going over the top. He also missed the arrows on the road positioning him right. He said he was focusing on the arch too much. He has his next test booked May/June half term as he has exams. I've asked him to look for an Easter cancellation as he is so test ready.

At 11.21 today, Blake passed his test on his 2nd attempt. I was not only pleased I was a tad emotional. I could not have got his driving any stronger. He got a few "undue hesitation" faults. Where situations are not clearly black or white I taught him to slow down and assess more. But hey he passed. 15 months of hard work for both of us. We plan a motorway lesson and maybe a return trip to his uni for September.