Home Economics Award for year 9

by Rebecca Winterfield
(South Australia)

My son has struggled at school since grade 1 after going from a 'Students with high Intellectual' program to 'Learning Assistance program' a year later in year 2. We had many ups and downs through his primary school years. His high school years have not been easy either though he now has the understanding of his teachers and the school he attends after many years of 'time-out' & hours in the office. Finally in year 9 - (last year) my son received the Year Nine award for the highest grades in Home
Economics. Although my son has severe Asperger's Syndrome and attends high school in the special education class he received the award for the highest grades in Home Economics for the whole school.

He has never been very good at appearing in public and this award meant that he would have to receive it in front of the whole school at the end of year award ceremony. I gave him a couple of days notice and told him that I had invited his big brother (21) and his girlfriend (soon to be having his nephew) and I would also be there to see him receive his award. We built the whole occasion into something not to be missed and it was wonderful to watch my boy receive his parchment.

I know what is in my son - the amazing person he really is that so many never get to appreciate - I know my son loves me even though he has trouble showing it or sometimes shows it inappropriately - I am proud of my 'Ass-burger' son as he so often calls it and I would not want him to be any other way.... no that's a lie... I wish he could be normal so he could 'fit'... so he could have a much easier life but I don't care that he's not because he's beautiful anyway :)