DD is 12 and autistic, with serious anxiety and school refusal throughout primary. Things have been so much better in secondary – though her attendance is still around 80%, which I know isn’t great, but compared to before, it’s a huge win.
We had parents' evening last night and it went really well – she's doing brilliantly academically and I’m so proud of her. Her maths teacher mentioned that she’s actually top of the whole of Year 7 in maths (I didn’t even know!) and said he wants to give her the maths award at the end of the year.
Here’s the thing: he said he would have given it to her at Christmas but didn’t because he thought she’d be too anxious to accept it in assembly. He’s not wrong – she would have really struggled with that.
I totally get that it’s not a huge thing in the grand scheme of life, but I can’t help feeling a bit sad that she missed out on being recognised because of what is essentially her disability. Couldn’t they have found another way? Quietly handed it to her in class, or sent it home, or something? I’ve said yes, absolutely, give it to her in the summer, even if she can’t go on stage – she’ll be so proud.
To be clear, her maths teacher is lovely and thoughtful, and I don’t feel angry at him – I think he really meant well. I’m just musing really, but AIBU to think they could have done something to make sure she still got the award at Christmas, in some form? Feels like a bit of a shame, and as her mum I'm just feeling so sad about how limiting her autism is for her.