Because of the whole fiasco with DS other school and them deciding not to teach them, we moved back to DS's old school. I had a meeting a few days ago and they nicely said that DS may have to repeat kindergarten. They are going to test him and see where he is because everything is so messed up. My district rarely holds anyone back so for them to meantion it is a big deal. I am so torn as if it is a good thing. I truthfully, would not have a second thought about him repeating first grade but I do about kindergarten. I know I did everything in my power against the other school but I still feel as if this is my fault. The attorney we used against DS other school thinks we ought to sue for damages if DS repeats kindergarten. I think I feel worse about it because we recently found out that DS spent about 60% of 2 hour day playing Wii the last two weeks of school. I just don't know how to explain it to DS if he has, too. I know I will find out soon how far behind he is but I am so mad that the other school did this. What are your thoughts about repeating a grade. If anyone has had a child do it, did you ever regret it or was it one of the best decisions you ever made.

I can only speak as a teacher and, please know, I see the struggle everyday. I don't know your whole story as I joined MS after the problems with you other school. That being said, I have never had a parent tell me that retaining their child in kinder. was the wrong choice, but I have had many (I teach 2nd) who have said they wish they had.

I have a new position next year working with learning disabilities/differences and would be happy to talk with you anytime... this is obviously something you have been dealing with for quite a while. Bless your heart.

Don't know if that helps but know that I am here if you need someone to bounce ideas off of.

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Thanks. I think my whole issue with it is really because the other school felt that kids on the autism spectrum didn't need to be taught anything. I just feel like I let DS down somehow but I know I did everything I could, even suing the school. I think I just have a bad case of mother's guilt if you know what I mean.

I makes me so mad when teachers/schools do that. Please don't think I am being flippant but you didn't let him down. That is just not true. The school let him down. Now you just have to focus on his future and what to do to make it the best it can be from here.

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Thanks again. Good luck teaching next year.

I'm sorry Autismmom -- I have nothing to add other than I am very sorry.

i'm so sorry i personally would rather my child repeat kindergarten then 1rst grade or up for the sheer reason that as they get older it would become a bigger deal... i'm not in your shoes but if they tested my child and he or she was not ready for 1rst grade(speaking from a mother whose child struggled in 1rst grade some) i would not want him/her to move forward and face bigger struggles and obstacles if it could be lessened or prevented... there are times i wish my son was held back in kindergarten then maybe he would not be going to summer school and having to work so much harder than i had imagined.

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.

The school has a Wii??? I've never heard of schools having Wiis. What purpose would a Wii serve?

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You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

So they didn't have to pay for an OT anymore. They counted playing the Wii as OT. Amazing, huh!

What?!?!

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