11 year old on school trip for a week - very worried.?

Question

My 11 year old son has Asperger’s Syndrome and is at a special school. He seems very normal, but recently has been rather ‘in his own world’ due to the break-up of my marriage and his father moving out of the house. He is off with his school tomorrow for a week away mountain climbing, stream crossing etc. far, far away. I am very worried about him as he is five years younger than any other students (he is quite bright). The others are all 16. I am worried that he might be swept off in a river or fall of a mountain or something. He has never been away from home except for a couple of nights at his godmother's once. I’m also worried as he will be sharing a room with a 16 year old boy and as he’s been abused before (many years ago) I’m scared it might happen again. His school are not at all worried about him. But I’m worried sick – should I let him go?

P.s. I’ve also forgotten to buy him gloves – and now it’s too late!

Answer 1

if you cannot go as a chaperone i would not let him go. when it comes to activities like that, 5 years makes a big difference. 16 year olds have way more muscle mass and can do things younger ones cant. the fact that you are so worried should tell you something- trust your instinct, thats what mothers are for.

Answer 2

I wouldn't think that the Asperger's ought to keep him off the field trip.  Since your son is so much younger, I'd let him go but I'd definitely go along as a chaperone.

Answer 3

I sympathize with you, I have an 10 (will be 11 in a month) year old nephew with Asperger's. He too, is very bright actually was invited to the Duke University TIP camp over the summer, but because he thought it (we aren't sure if it was) "sleep away" deal he refused to even consider it, and was very adament about it.

You really have to go with your instincts and what your son wants, I would make sure that he wasn't feeling the same way you are. He may be very excited, or he may be very worried but afraid to say anything.

If you don't trust the adults who will be with the children keep him home, and if you can afford to maybe take him on a mini-vacation.

Either way, I wish your son all the best!

Answer 4

See if you can go as a chaperone.  I know it is hard.  I grew up with OCD.  He'll probably have a little anxiety.  This trip might be good for him.  Let him have a vacation.  He deserves it.  Even if you can't go, let him and ask them to watch him extra carefully.  Tell them he has Asperger's Syndrome.  Through personal experience, if you tell ppl why you are worried, they are much nicer about it.

Answer 5

I probably wouldn't let him go, is this trip something that he really, really wants to do or would he be okay with not going?

Answer 6

Aw, let him go! He'll have fun. I know that Asperger's is a social type disorder, but I don't know that much about it. I really think though he'll be fine if he's with a special school that knows and understands about the syndrome. They should be equipped and ready for all of the kids. I bet you a lot of the other parents are worried too. He should be fine! Maybe you could let him bring along your cell phone so he can call home if he needs anything. He'll probably be having so much fun that he'll forget to call!

Answer 7

u should play it safe

Answer 8

you as a mom should use your maternal instinct. If u are worried and not comfortable with letting your kid go up the mountains with kids 5 years older than him-- why should u let him go?! if i were in your shoes, i wouldnt think twice... im not gonna let him go. Maybe wait a year or two.

Answer 9

I want to know what he is going away with kids that are all five years older than him? That seems a bit weird to me. If you as a parent don't feel comfortable about it, don't let him go.

You need to listen to your mother's instinct here. How does your son feel about going?

Answer 10

i think that you have every right as a mother to be concerned but i think that h**l do just fine and i bet some other kids will bring extra gloves!