Since my last post much has happened. Angel Eyes turned 16 in August (after our NY trip) & started his Sophomore year in High School. He has had a big interest in movies, so we encouraged him to take a drama class. I don't think he wants to be an actor any more. Although he's in Advanced Acting this semester. He ended up for the semester on the B Honor Roll. We are so proud of him! He is having a better year this year in English & Algebra. He's doing better in Algebra II than he did in Algebra I. Our biggest struggle with him during the 1st semester was Health & Wellness. He really doesn't like that area & when he doesn't like it, well, he becomes a little stubborn about the assignments. It is a very difficult area for him to learn. But we made it! With much help from mom, dad & his teacher! We've learned we have to stay on top of his work constantly to make sure it's getting done & turned in. Oftentimes, he leaves the finished work in his backpack. That is frustrating! One thing our school system has implemented this year that is extremely helpful is Power School Parent Portal. This is a system that keeps track of assignments, grades, attendance, and more. With the Parent Portal, parents can go into their child's information & know what is going on with their child. This is very helpful with a kid like ours. He doesn't always get all the information, so I can see what assignments haven't been turned in & check with the teacher. Each teacher updates their class information & I think keep on top of it for the most part. This has really helped us head off troubles before they become too big. I have better communication with the teachers this year too, which is wonderful! Communication is key with the staff as Angel Eyes is not much of a communicator. Although, he is talking with me more since our NY trip. I love that! Helping our children get through their education process can be such an effort for parents of Aspies. They have a difficult time remembering everything & do not really want to discuss the details of their day. Getting information out of Angel Eyes can be like pulling teeth at times. But I love how he reacts when he knows we're pleased with something he did! He's not much of a smiler, but we get one now & then. He's also becoming more thoughtful of others. He makes comments now when he sees something he knows someone else would like. We bought a gift for his cousin in NY because he knew he'd really like it. He picked out Christmas gifts for family members this year. I can see change & it's encouraging.