All the Difference

Recollections Of a Teen with AS

by Nathan Weissler

At age four, I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and have been in Special Education since age three. I will be comparing and contrasting three different schools I have attended three middle schools which I will identify as: Middle School A, Middle School B and High School (I currently attend “High School.”) While some of the differences may be merely a difference between Middle School and High School, I feel that they primarily reflect the differences in each school’s approach.

At Middle School A, I experienced vicious bullying from both students and teachers. When I complained, I felt the teachers were ignoring me. Similarly, at both middle schools, I felt that when I tried expressing concerns, the response was more that I needed to conform instead of be accommodated so I could learn comfortably. At my current school, the latter is the priority.

These differences in approach have been reflected in numerous ways over the years. For example, at Middle School A, when I was reassigned a teacher whose arbitrary behavior had terrified me, I was moved to an alternative class only after my parents demanded it quite forcefully and kept me home from school. On the other hand, at High School, when I was put into a journalism club which had been presented to me as a laid-back club which was really a high-pressure class, not only did the principal pull me out immediately but she said I could leave an hour early everyday.

At both middle schools when my binder would be disorganized, Occupational Therapists would insist on at times spending entire sessions organizing my binder regardless of whether or not I found it useful. On the other hand, at High School, the principal has told me that if I can keep myself organized, there is no need to help me organize my binder.

Another example is the attitudes of the counselors and teachers at the different schools. At Middle School A and Middle School B, they were more focused on my socially conforming and fitting in. For example, on one occasion at School B, a teacher required that I talk to four peers during some outside play time. At High School, they recognize that these approaches will not work as they have not pushed me to socialize. As a result of not feeling pressured, I have felt comfortable enough to form several important friendships.

Also, I generally feel more trusted at my current school. My principal has told me that I will never have to pay for a teacher’s mistake. On the other hand, at Middle School A, my English teacher misplaced my science homework due that day and promised to take responsibility. However, when I told the science teacher, he replied that it was my fault as my homework is my responsibility.

I feel much more comfortable in school now as my relationship with authority figures are more relaxed. At both middle schools, I felt powerless among teachers and other authority figures. On the other hand, at my current school, I feel more like an actor with some need for support. I am treated more maturely as I have more free choice. For example, the principal said that any nonacademic social event is optional. She even calls me on weekends to “check in” occasionally. As a result, my anxiety level has decreased greatly.  I also have a greater desire to go to school as my sick absences have decreased. This has made all the difference for me.