Ds1 (aged 9) was diagnosed as Autism (Asperger's) in May this year. It didn't come as a huge surprise, firstly because I've worked with a lot of children his age who are Neurodivergent and secondly because he's like I was as a child and I definitely have a lot of signs of autism.
One of the things I've encouraged him to do is join the local Am-dram group with me. He loves drama at school and it helps with a lot of skills like diction, developing his speaking skills (he has a tendency to use odd phraseology as if he's speaking English as a foreign language), understanding subtext and subtle humour...
However, I don't like it when he and some of the other children mess around between scenes. This often involves running around screaming, playing hide and seek in the toilets, skidding over polished floors. All very "boy" behaviour but I am not happy with it as 1. There are a lot of areas where they might get hurt, 2. They are rough, 3. In the breaks many of the adults have hot tea/coffee 4. There is a residential property adjoining the hall and 5. I think it's poor behaviour. I haven't said anything to the other children but have made it clear to DS that I expect him to behave well and not to run around sliding and play fighting and screeching.
However, some of the other mums think I'm being overly strict and that children learn through play. I think that my ND son needs boundaries and that what they are doing is disruptive and dangerous.
Do I need to relax?!