My high-functioning 13 yr old will be going into high school next year (still can't believe it). He is mainstreamed and does okay, but still struggles in certain subjects, especially language arts and science. He did have a para up to fifth grade. He functions independently throughout the school day, but does go to a resource room everyday to catch up on homework or if he has any issues that may come up.
I have an IEP meeting next month and I really want to be prepared. I think this may be his most important IEP meeting of his school career as we will be laying down the foundation of his high school years.
I know every kid is different as their needs are different. I would just like to hear some feedback from those of you that have been there and any advice you can pass on to me.

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

Yup! My son is 12 (will be 13) and just started junior high this year.

He has an IEP, but we have basically put it on the back burner. It is there if we need it, but honestly, I doubt we will need it.

He functions independently throughout all of his classes. He was going to have speech classes, but we decided against it.

As of right now with school starting in September, he is all A's and B's and headed towards honor roll.

I have no clue what to tell you about high school. Just make sure that you always keep the IEP, even if you don't know if you will use it.

My son is very highly functioning Aspergers.

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"Yesterday my life was duller, now everything's technicolor!"

My identical twin nieces are autistic. One has an easy time in school, she is in the main stream class with no aide. The other has a hard time. She spends part of the day in regular classes, the rest in the learning center getting help in her other subjects. She is also using the free tutoring offered after school for additional help. No aide either.

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I've never lied to you. I've always told you some version the of truth.

My son is 22. I noticed while he was in high school the most difficult times were classes like PE ( torture for an uncoordinated boy !) and lunch times. He did ok , but was not really the part of a high school scene..good luck with your son !

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Live, Love, Laugh

My son is 17 and like your son is high functioning and is mainstreamed into regular classes. It's amazing how far he has come! Our school requires 1 1/2 years of PE and that was hard for him. It was the first time he was required to take PE. He was office runner for junior high. I would suggest that you check with the school and see if he can take an alternate class instead of PE such as golf. Our school allows this as well as football, baseball, major sports instead of PE. Also, have the diagnostic counselor and the regular counselor hand pick his teachers. They know who has more time to give as well as their teaching styles that would suit your child. Make sure you ask to go to the school a day before school starts to have him walk his schedule.....you want the schedule before the first day.....and possible meet his teachers so he knows who his teachers are before school and he won't get lost. You can also ask for a map of the school and highlight his classes and plan for the best route to get to class since there is so little time in between classes. I always send a letter the first week of school letting the teacher know a little about my son...things like he should sit close to the teachers desk....if the kids are put in a group to work together...make sure he is put in a group by the teacher's choice... if he's hesitating beginning an assignment, he may be stuck..show him where to start.....make sure if there are big changes that I'm notified so that I can prepare him beforehand, he isn't being disrespectful if he doesn't look at you....it's just uncomfortable for a child under the spectrum.....also, if it's a class where a lot of notes are taken, give him a copy of the notes....but still have him write the notes during class (he won't fall behind). Also, in our schools, we get a progress report in the mail usually about 3 1/2 weeks during the six weeks. I request that if my child isn't doing well, I want to knwo either my email or phone that there's a problem. It's hard to bring up a grade when there is only two weeks remaining in the six weeks. If your school keeps textbooks in class only, I would request a set of books for home...they may argue...but it is necessary. Also if there are lockers...make sure you get his locker assignment before school starts as well so that he knows where it is and can practice the combination until he gets it. We do this during the visit before school starts for the year. That's all I can think of now....if I think of more, I'll let you know. I really hate the first month of school beginning...it's very stressful.....but if you keep on it, he'll have a successful year. Make his special education couselor your friend...it only benefits your son.