Shared by his mother, Samantha
James joined us 2 years ago, after struggling to find his rhythm in other schools. He fitted in quickly. Read his mother’s note to us here, some observations from his teacher, and his own thoughts too.
James was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when just 2 and 1/2 years old, while we were living in Pietermaritzburg. We then relocated back to Cape Town. For the next 18 months James really struggled at school. It was a tough time – but finally we found Mindstretch.
James started at Mindstretch in 2020, at age 4. He loved his school and his teachers almost immediately. At last we’d found somewhere he felt he belonged and fitted in. James is a very intelligent but anxious child who thrives when there is a clear routine. Mindstretch gave him that structure. Now, with the help of Mindstretch, James has grown and continues to grow into a loving and happy child.
Covid certainly made things difficult, but Mindstretch never gave up and left us to work through it alone. With their help I have learned so much about my son and how to better understand and enjoy him. James continues to struggle with expressing himself, but he has certainly come a long way. I am so grateful to have found Mindstretch and if I had one wish in the world it would be that Mindstretch could continue through to Matric!
“There are not nearly enough schools in South Africa to help our children with special needs to feel safe and grow and learn in an appropriate environment.”
We asked James about his favourite activity at Mindstretch.
- “I like drawing. I go to the art station to draw. It’s not painting, that’s different. Drawing is with pens and kokis. Blue is my favorite color. My cousins also like to draw, the ones who are twins. And my car is an Opal. It’s silver, I’ll draw it for you, and a picture of my house, if you like. When I grow up I want to be an astronaut.”
Then we asked Teacher Pam about James and his progress in Grade R at Mindstretch.
- “He’s very intelligent and often top in academics. He draws well, yes, but he’s well rounded, and also strong in maths and reading. He can get frustrated if things aren’t perfect and we continue to work with him on how to properly express that frustration. I really enjoy James’ fun-loving nature and his imagination. The other day he told me we should climb on to a table, because soon the floor was going to turn into lava. He’s very loveable.”
