I don't mind using my own son as the case study....that sounded terrible, as an example for those who don't understand, to learn from. Today's events sparked my thoughts to truly become more open about Britton and his daily (struggle isn't the right word) challenges. He wakes up and asks question after question about the goings on of each day or more specifically wants to talk about the cloud shapes, the cube of the number 8 or how to spell a word that most 6 year olds don't even know.
So why is it so difficult for others to understand him? I'm not sure, maybe it's that most of the world has expectations that kids or anyone for that matter live in a boxed up type of personality and emotion and life. Well, that is NOT Britton. He is so unique and he loves it. He told his 14 year old cousin the other day, "we are unique and that is good, we don't want to be boring". His cousin is gifted and they share so many characteristics that are remarkable. His mother and I share on a regular basis how much C was like Britton as a younger boy.
Britton started the Summer Institute for the Gifted a few weeks ago. I got a call every single day for the first week telling me of all of the bad things Britton was doing. I tried my best as a parent to remain calm and explain how hard things were for the Director. Oh-and go back a few days before the camp began? The Director of the National Program called to just about talk us about of coming to the camp. She let me know they "weren't sure they could handle a child like Britton". Talk about a knife through the heart. Well, as I am my sons biggest advocate and I do NOT take no for answer, especially when it comes to Britton and his abilities, I talked her into it and said, "see you all in a few days!". Off we went to Atlanta after that. (dejavu from a previous conversation we had with a KC Private school that said the same thing about B)
The first week was tough. Britton likes to touch others when he shouldn't, has a hard time hearing multiple step instructions, loves to make sure everyone is doing every as they should, and is constantly seeking attention from peers and especially from teachers. Every single afternoon the Director would call me, tell me all of the 'bad' things Britton did and we would talk about what could be done that next day to help him cope. You sure would have thought from these calls he was such a bad little kid. Oh boy.....but after me calming the director down and after us doing some great brainstorming we found some solutions. One issue? For some reason he was acting out so much in Geometry class. I can't even express how my husband reacted to this one, but it was along the lines of, "DUH---He was bored out of his mind!" So we changed a few questions and had him attend a few that he had not experienced yet. She even called once and told me he seemed tired and maybe should only do the part time program. Ha! I explained to her that since he was 8 weeks old, he has known nothing but full time school every single day. That maybe he needed a quieter environment or a sensory type break. So, one of the afternoon classes is now the same teacher and room he has in the morning and one other class is Art, which is quiet, small and he gets to use his senses to explore and enjoy. Although he is profoundly gifted in math, it doesn't mean he doesn't love being outside and doing things like art and music and even more! Of course he would prefer math and brings math along in every single thing he does in his day.
So far the camp is ending well. Now on to the next one in a few days. We're trying Drama camp, and thank goodness they have a special education program within. Wouldn't it be remarkable if more cognitive/educational camps were required to study and learn about twice exceptional children? This camp says they receive training in that area, but I can tell it's not enough. When I called to ask if we should even apply I was told, "of course!" that everyone just adores children with special needs and wants them to be a part of what they are providing. I question this as a parent, but as a future educator, I know there is so much left to be done. So much education to provide and so many future educators to help immerse in this area. Boy am I ready to get that done.
