ch-ch-changes

I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through

Change can be good. Change can be scary. Change can be exciting. Change is necessary.

Justin has Asperger's, that's a given in our life. Like most Aspies, change is difficult for him, and therefore for us as well. We never know how he'll react. Some changes we assume to be mild can set him off and others he ignores and adapts to silently. Change for us is... unpredictable.

Justin is a great kid. Ask anyone. He's bright and loving and incredibly book smart. But, he struggles in social situations and he overwhelms easily. Those traits are hard to deal with. Especially when you are a 12 year old boy in middle school. Justin is our impetus for change.

We encourage Justin to adapt to the world around him. Don't stand so close to strangers. Don't constantly hug and pet us. Lower your voice. Stop making noises. Don't act weird. But the years of forcing Justin to adapt to a school environment that is not conducive to HIS learning style is over. We have spent eight years being beaten down by a school system that does not understand his challenges. Change is here.

Today Justin starts a new chapter in his education. Gone (we hope) is the name calling and the bullying. Gone are the large classes and loud bells and passing periods. Gone is the stress of being like the other kids - a feat he will never achieve. Today is the first day of success and we are excited... and (I will admit) a little scared... But we all know change is necessary for Justin to thrive. Change is good.