DD and I dropped by her school today to meet her new teacher. Open house is tomorrow but I knew that would be too much excitement so we went to the school today. The teacher had worked as an aid in an autism cluster so she knows a little about it but we all know how different each child is. The teacher was impressed by the fact that dd was reading all the posters on the walls,used the computer, etc. I felt that it was important for her to see the kindergarten room before school as she might be too excited to cooperate if everything was new and overwhelming. She's supposed to have an aide but her aide will not have had any training yet (the principal did tell me she will be getting training though). I told the principal to have her call me so they could meet before school but I still haven't heard from her .
I'm so nervous about this year. Her pre-k teacher had recommended that she go to an autism cluster but since she's so imitative she'd been coming home mimicing behaviors and I felt her progress was starting to stagnate. After a really rough time in summer school with NT's she made alot of progress (even though at first she regressed to some behaviors previously not seen). Her big problem is not being able to stay in her seat (any advice?). I've got my fingers crossed and am always trying to think positive.
Or you might see if the teacher will let her pace across the back of the room if she can do it without being disruptive!
My son will be meeting his teacher on Friday to orient himself to the new classroom, cloak area, etc. Always a good idea -- it's one less variable for them to deal with.
As far as the inability to stay in her seat goes, some people have found that it's caused by low muscle tone. It might also be sensory seeking or escape behavior. You might try a disc-o-sit inflatable cushion, which gives more sensory input while seated. If you're not sure what her sensory issues are, try this checklist if you haven't done so already:
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processin g-disorder-checklist.html
You might also want to try a social story to make sure she knows that staying seated is expected of her.
Besides the disc-o-sit, you may also want to try a weighted lap pad.