You all helped so much when I was ready to commit myself to the psych ward re: DS horrible year in 6th grade. Still no report, still no diagnosis, still haven't managed to have interview with NP to answer additional developmental questions.

But what a difference a couple of weeks makes! He is happy again! I see my boy again and it warms my heart and makes me want to homeschool (he will not hear of it).

I was sorting through old memorabilia today trying to declutter--and found a stack of kindergarten/1st grade assignments and saw it through such a different lens. In the "old days," when he responded to a writing prompt in extremely literal ways--it seemed cute, silly, and a little clever. Nobody thinks that stuff is cute any more when one is 12 and has developed an acerbic personality. Sigh.

Here is what I have decided. Regardless of what NP finally decides upon, this kid of mine has some definite social communication deficits, is a rigid thinker, and all-around hard to understand because he is so verbal (and yet says so little, really). I also believe there is some sort of problem with written expression but I don't understand that one completely. His writing does not "match" his intellect.So I will approach this from that angle, regardless.

Besides these neuro-atypical thingamabobs, I have realized something else about DS. He really has no interest in doing any sort of work, sustained effort, practice, etc., except when it is something he's decided upon or is masterminding. Even his beloved euphonium has laid untouched so far. I don't think he cares much at all about actually learning the instrument and excelling--he just likes playing in the band and enjoys playing music "in the moment" but not as a discipline.

I have no idea whether the better idea is to push him and make him learn a work ethic, or to resign myself to having an underachieving, free-spirited, but *happy* child, for now. I will not do what I did this last year--he either has to get with the program or he can leave the program. It can't be all on me.

Has anyone ever decided just to let their child march to whatever drumbeat seems to be easiest? I am really enjoying easy right now.