A little indulgence please

[Luv Bunnies]

I'm so proud of my son right now. I just have to share.

My DS15 goes to a specialized school for kids with Asperger's. He was mainstreamed through elementary school, but middle school was a nightmare and he was transferred a few months into his 6th grade year. He's been making progress on his social skills, but he's mostly focused on himself and his own things.

A few weeks ago, a girl from his old school district was transferred to his school. He hadn't seen her in three years but said he was happy that she would be in his class and riding the same bus. This girl does not have Asperger's. She had brain cancer at a very young age. The radiation treatment left her with some learning disabilities and problems with social skills. Also, her hair is very thin on top from the cancer treatments.

The girl and her mom called me tonight to ask if I knew what happened on the bus yesterday morning. My son hadn't said anything so they filled me in. Apparently, three other girls were making fun of my son's friend. They were saying mean things about her hair and calling her names. She said she was about to cry when my son turned around and said, "Stop teasing her. You're not being nice. Leave her alone!" The girls were shocked because my son doesn't usually say much or get involved in these things and they stopped immediately. When they got off the bus, my son told his friend to make sure the bus driver knew what happened. Then, he took her to the program director to make sure she told him.

This girl and her mom were so grateful that my son stood up for her and then made sure she reported the incident. The mom wanted him to know she was proud of him and grateful for his help. Of couse, Mr. Humble didn't tell me a thing. When I asked him about it, he got this sheepish smile on his face and said, "Well, I couldn't just sit there while they teased my friend." I said, "You did such an awesome thing and I'm so proud of you!" He put his arms out because he just knew a hug was coming next!

This may seem minor to most parents of 15-year olds, but it was a huge deal for my son and a proud mommy moment for me. Thanks for indulging me!

 

[kathie859]

I'd be proud, too!!! What a great son you've raised

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

I'm so proud of my son right now. I just have to share.

My DS15 goes to a specialized school for kids with Asperger's. He was mainstreamed through elementary school, but middle school was a nightmare and he was transferred a few months into his 6th grade year. He's been making progress on his social skills, but he's mostly focused on himself and his own things.

A few weeks ago, a girl from his old school district was transferred to his school. He hadn't seen her in three years but said he was happy that she would be in his class and riding the same bus. This girl does not have Asperger's. She had brain cancer at a very young age. The radiation treatment left her with some learning disabilities and problems with social skills. Also, her hair is very thin on top from the cancer treatments.

The girl and her mom called me tonight to ask if I knew what happened on the bus yesterday morning. My son hadn't said anything so they filled me in. Apparently, three other girls were making fun of my son's friend. They were saying mean things about her hair and calling her names. She said she was about to cry when my son turned around and said, "Stop teasing her. You're not being nice. Leave her alone!" The girls were shocked because my son doesn't usually say much or get involved in these things and they stopped immediately. When they got off the bus, my son told his friend to make sure the bus driver knew what happened. Then, he took her to the program director to make sure she told him.

This girl and her mom were so grateful that my son stood up for her and then made sure she reported the incident. The mom wanted him to know she was proud of him and grateful for his help. Of couse, Mr. Humble didn't tell me a thing. When I asked him about it, he got this sheepish smile on his face and said, "Well, I couldn't just sit there while they teased my friend." I said, "You did such an awesome thing and I'm so proud of you!" He put his arms out because he just knew a hug was coming next!

This may seem minor to most parents of 15-year olds, but it was a huge deal for my son and a proud mommy moment for me. Thanks for indulging me!

This doesn't seem minor to me AT ALL. In fact, I think that 15 year olds, in general, have a hard time sticking up for friends sometimes. They just want to blend into the woodwork and not make waves. The fact that your son, with so much more to overcome, could do this for a friend is HUGE. Yah him!

I think it's great that the girls Mom took the time to let you know what happened. So often, it's a call about a bad thing that's been done. I LOVE catching kids being good and telling on them .

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think that is pretty Awesome!

He did a wonderful thing. Probably more than some (but not all!) kids would have done. Pretty major in my book!

Well done on raising your son, Mom!

And Well done to your son!

 

[momof1princess]

awwww, that was a sweet and brave thing your son did for his friend. what a sweetheart he is! you have every reason to be proud!

 

[teacherlisa1978]

That is wonderful and brought tears to my eyes. With all the problems with bullying, as a teacher I really believe that this is exactly what more kids need to do. Awesome.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Your son did something that very few 15 year olds of any ilk would have done. He was brave and stood up for a friend. That takes a lot of guts, especially for a teenager.

Any mom of any 15 year old shouldbe beaming with pride at this!

You've raised a noble, courageous gentleman of a son!

 

[Pastamom]

What a great thing your son did!!!! He is a courageous young man!

I wish more young people would do the same thing your son did.

Typical boy not to say anything to you I'm glad you got to find out about it!

 

[NaLisa]

What a heartwarming story, and you should be very proud. Kudos to you and your son. I can only imagine how that poor girl felt while being teased, and how much better she must feel that your son came to her aid. He's a very kind hearted young man.

 

[beautybutafunnygirl]

Such a sweet story... thank you for sharing it with us

It does break my heart that those girls could be so cruel, though. She has BRAIN CANCER for heaven's sake!

It's a good thing your son was there to stand up for her. I'm sure it made his friend feel more confident and trusting, and I'm sure it will make those girls think twice in the future.

 

[Mkrop]

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sweet story, thanks for sharing.

 

[quasar4legs]

Thanks for sharing your story, you must be a very proud mum

 

[mhsjax]

What a great kid. Good job mom.

 

[java]

You should be proud! Huge step to feel empathy!

 

[kirbydog48]

What a wonderful young man! My son has Asperger's as well, so I can really understand what a huge triumph this is; for him to have empathy and be able to read the situation and act upon it is huge. Love the part about putting his hands out for a hug!

 

[Glynis]

Thanks for that wonderful story! I needed that this morning. Too often, we hear about the bullying and no one standing up. You must be so proud of your son. Standing up for her was probably really outside of his comfort zone, and for him to do that in front of others, makes him a real hero, in my book! Tell him how proud we all are, please.

 

[SeaSpray]

That is awesome!!!! And I agree that many 15 year old kids, Asperger's or not, might not do what your DS did!

 

[cabanafrau]

Sounds to me like there's much more to your son than meets the eye. Congrats. I'd say the indulgence is well-deserved.

 

[Jeafl]

Your post has actually made my day! I teach special ed, including several kids with Asperger's, and today has not been a very good day. I have one student in particular that is picked on constantly and it is very frustrating for me. Just hearing about your son has turned my day around! Thank you so much for sharing!