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Name: Learning Autism Style

[ Original Post ]

Hello Moms of Teens:

My son is seventeen, and he is not going to graduate from high school this year as he was to do if he did not fall behind in credits.

He fell behind last year and knew that he needed to take adult ed. classes in order to make up 10 lost units. We gave him the information, he drove down and made an appointment, and decided not to do it just then because he said they were not giving that class during that quarter.

Now he is so far behind he will not graduate regardless of what he does. He is telling me he wants to go to continuation school (the most thug one around), and does not want to go to another alternative high school that would have fewer thugs.

He isn't a thug, he will get beat up and confronted if he goes to this other school. I'm so dissappointed at his lack of self direction, inability to want good things for himself and I'm running out of patience. Any advice for me at this point? Help this Mom ↓

Name: Learning Autism Style | Date: Dec 23rd, 2006 5:02 AM

Hi Mom:
You have a tough situation, and I wish you well. ↑

Name: Lizzi | Date: Dec 23rd, 2006 9:52 PM

Since he can't graduate since he's so far behind,after his own class grauduates he will be able to take the G E D test which is the equivalent to the highschool diploma. This is the route I'd have him take. ↑

Name: kidcrazy | Date: Dec 31st, 2006 1:52 AM

Hi. My seventeen yearold is doing similar things now. I have begun to wonder if there is a much deeper meaning in why they want to hang around with thugs. My son struggles with grades and is less mature than kids his age. He normally does not fit in with the "good kids". They shun him. I think that his need to underacheive is rooted in his insecurities of being a failure amounst other kids. It's easier for him to lower his expectations and be "better than average" amongst a lesser group of people than it is to be a failure amonst a better group. I have begun to research leadership programs and self-esteem camps that may help him with his self-image. Hopeful and will let you know if we have any success. ↑