I have recently changed my school path from being diploma bound to life skills. I am at peace with this decision. I tried very hard to be a regular student but it was more than what I could handle even with my supports. My autism is really my biggest hurdle. Making my body cooperate for long periods of time was more than I could manage. I fell behind in doing work and got frustrated to the point of having too many meltdowns. Learning was becoming more difficult because I tried to control my body . It took up most of my energy so that I had none left for getting educated or typing. I was starting to not enjoy school. I am really feeling more at peace making the change to life skills.
I am still going to some regular classes. I really love Global Studies and Music in Our Lives. I will learn everything I can and do all the work I am able to do. But I won’t have to do everything if it is too much. I am in some special ed classes too. They are not a lot of work. I can still learn and become better at working on my skills.
I am meaning to make the most of my opportunities. I try to make myself more calm so I can participate more easily. I am forging my own path. I think I can still make a meaningful and productive life without a diploma. I can try to enjoy my high school years more by taking the classes I really like and not worrying about meeting all the graduation requirements. I can also make friends with people more like me. I want dear teachers to keep challenging me to do as much as I can. Learning is more fun for me again.
Philip
Keyboarding in Music in Our Lives
Copyright 2018 Philip Reyes. All rights reserved.
You are so smart to make a decision that is life giving to you! Success comes in many forms and it does not have to be a diploma. You have a lot to learn and a lot to give in life and that is the joy of life! Thank you for your wise words and inspiration. I need to keep what is important in front of me. Thank you for your words!
ReplyDeleteWe support your decision Phillip and there are so many ways to achieve all your goals. We will continue to pray that God gives you help in all your struggles!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Philip for letting me know how you feel. I am making the same decision you made on behalf of my son, who is 13, has autism, and has started spelling a few months ago. It is so good for me to read this from you. I hope my son can to tell me one day what he desires, as you do know. I feel for him its a great time to put most of his energy on spelling and getting educated at home. I would love to know more about how you learn to play keyboard! German loves music too!!
ReplyDeletePhilip, I love that you are forging the path that best suits you. I also love that you are able to communicate what works for you, and that you are able to participate in your favourite courses.
ReplyDeleteHi Philip! I'm so glad that you're finding your change of emphasis in school a source of relief and peace. My son, Caoimh - who also has non-speaking autism, and has learned to communicate through RPM - tried mainstream school, but found that he couldn't cope with the stress of it when he hit puberty. He was so happy to move to a special needs environment, where he is still learning interesting academic material and writing on his letterboards, but where he feels sheltered from the pressures of mainstream education. At the end of the day, what's the big deal about a diploma? And also, you don't have to have special needs to find mainstream education very stressful - many 'neurotypicals' become enormously stressed by the pressures of school. So congratulations, Philip, on following your heart and doing what is best for you. It's not a step down; it's a step up. May you flourish and blossom! Adrienne
ReplyDeleteYou are your own best advocate. What a great decision. And you can take more courses later, when you are grown, and get your diploma then if you decide you want it.
ReplyDeleteproud of you Philip!!!
ReplyDeleteMusic in our lives sounds fun! I love that you can experience learning for the joy of it, instead of having to worry about meeting graduation requirements. Learning SHOULD be fun. It should be about what you are interested in and passionate about, not what the state thinks you need to know. I think this will help you to live life to its fullest!
ReplyDeleteI just want to let you know how amazing you are. The way you are with words is impressive for your age. you should be a writer :)
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