Reply #28: My 12-year-old son is very [View All]

[liberalhistorian]

bright, and off the charts in every single subject as far as testing is concerned, but he has Asperger's Syndrome (high-functioning autism) and has to be dragged into doing his homework (unless it's something he's really interested in) and nagged until it's done and has to be nagged to do every little thing, such as picking up, putting clothes away, etc.

He also has no sense of organization at all, and never brings home things from school he's supposed to. The band teacher and his drum teacher say he's one of the most talented drum players they've ever seen, but he got an F in band because he isn't bringing home his practice sheets that are passed out every week or doing his other assignments for it.

If he had his way, he'd just sit and watch TV or play the computer all the time. He thinks because he is very smart that he doesn't have to do the work to get the grades, that they'll just automatically be good, when I know he's capable of straight A's in everything. Every day is a never-ending battle with him to get him to do and/or organize ANYTHING. I ask if he has homework, what happened in school, what's due tomorrow, if he has anything that I need to sign, etc., etc..

Then I find out he's forgotten something or hasn't written homework assignments down, and he then gets mad at me for "not trusting him" when I have to double-check everything with his teachers and principals. The only thing that really gets through to him is taking away his "stuff" and his privileges, or making him sit in a chair and do nothing for an hour.

So I think you did absolutely the right thing, and you should stick with it. I know it's really tough, but it's the only thing to do in your situation. Hang in there and good luck!