Hello!

I know, it's been forever, but I was totally inspired at work today and had to tell someone!

First off, I am a Special Ed teacher at a school for very aggressive, special needs students. Well, one of my students, T, is in 5th grade and has a serious developmental delay. He's barely verbal and doesn't really know how to control his anger. He also has no real social skills. His brother also has autism and his mom had a stroke about 2 years ago, which left her in a wheelchair with no motor skills. So, life has been pretty difficult for this family, as you can imagine.

Well, today, another student's parents stopped in and her daughter wanted to introduce her to T. So, I went in to get T off of the computer. It was his break time and this is his BIGGEST reinforcer, and even when he's had his full break time, it's difficult to get him off and it usually results in a meltdown (kicking, hitting, biting, you name it, he does it). So, I walked in and politely said "T? S's mom is here and would like to meet you." He looked at me, got up and walked out to meet the mom! And that's not even the kicker...he stuck out his hand to shake hers!!!! With no prompts!!! Ummm, no social skills??? Hello!!! I have chills just typing this! I know this probably sounds like no big deal to most of you, but it means soooo much to me! And I know it will mean so much to his mom too, because she "raises her sons to be polite" :)

Ok, I'll try to update more often. I hope you all enjoyed my little story :)