A Story by Donna Keyser

My son, Nick is somewhere between PDD and Aspergers. Nick has sensory issues that are always changing and never ending. At 12, he continues to suck his thumb when he feels insecure or threatened. School continues to be a nightmare for him as well as myself, and I am a special education teacher. Nick is a very bright child as both his dad and I know. Two of his teachers have also noted that he is a very intelligent young man. However, all of his teachers agree that he is not working up to his potential.

They have denied him the use of a Neoboard to aid in taking notes and completing assignments. Yet, if they feel his handwriting is not up to par, they make him re-write the assignment, which sends him into a tailspin, if you will. Any suggestions you might have would be much appreciated.

We do not have a diagnosis of Aspergers. We have been working from a diagnosis of ADHD. Yet, the doctor can't explain the sensory issues and the school district did not evaluate his ability to comprehend figurative language. I know that he has difficulty with figurative language because at 8 years old, I told him that his dad and I were taking the house back meaning we were going to regain control and he was going to listen to us and do as we asked, and in a very serious voice, he asked, "Where are you taking the house?"

As I said, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks,
Donna