In my last blog, I discussed a few classroom tricks to help keep your child in an inclusive classroom.

My child just completed his seventh year of formal school (pre-school, kindergarten through fourth grade). Over the years, his teachers and aides have worked with us on finding various “tricks” to help get him through a typical school day in an inclusive (a classroom with mostly general education students) classroom.

What kind of tricks are you talking about?

Earlier this week, a mom in the autism community reached out to me for some ideas or suggestions for dealing with a difficult neighbor.

Her son, who is quite severely affected by autism, has recently developed a verbal tic/stim. Often verbal tics/stims present as loud, unusual, and random sounds.

When my child was in third grade, we discovered a school issue.

In third grade, my son’s class began to have chapter tests. These tests covered a lot of material…an entire chapter of material. My son needed to study for a week to be ready to take a comprehensive test. This was a big change for him.

Our son has struggled with this issue on and off since third grade.

I might have mentioned this one before but it bears repeating. Our child’s elementary school has an end-of-the-year open house each year. It’s an event where the entire family is invited to go to their child’s classroom and get a glimpse at what kids having doing at school the entire year.

What is the “shy newbie?” This is a term I created. To me, it means the individual who won’t talk about autism yet they most likely have someone in their life on the autism spectrum.

Every once in a while I like to revisit some classic autism-related characteristics. This time I’m going to revisit obsessions.

Recently, I was reminded that my son always seems to have one or two obsessions. One of the latest ones I find very interesting and it makes me love him even more while also reminding me of one of the hallmarks of his diagnosis... autism.

I recently completed my sixth turn as the Volunteer Chair for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks Los Angeles Walk. This position is a committee position and I have to organize and post 300 volunteers for walk day.

I believe that I can go up to any person and ask, “Do you know someone on the autism spectrum?” and that person will know SOMEONE.

That person will have a nephew, a co-worker’s son, or a hairdresser’s niece. This is just my belief but when I’ve actually gone out into the world and tested this theory, the results generally support it.

How much of a presence should I be at my child’s school?

I am a big believer of being a “presence” at my child’s school. I do it for some typical reasons…and for one very specific reason.

What are my typical reasons?