DSD16, an Aspie, is totally unathletic but has always been a strong swimmer. For a couple of summers, he was a volunteer swim aide (helped the main teacher with kids' swimming lessons). Last year, he was old enough to be a paid aide. This year, they offered a Water Safety Instuctor course, so the kids could become certified swim teachers. The WSI instructors get paid almost twice what the aides do, so we asked DS if he wanted to take the course and he said yes.
The course was last week...should have been finished by now, but there were lots of rain delays. Last night DS told us that on Friday, the teacher told him that he had good skills and technical knowledge, but that she probably wouldn't pass him because he does not have the bubbly personality necessary to teach swimming. Their final exam is tomorrow, and most of the kids have to teach something like the Level 3 front crawl, or the Level 2 back float. DS and the other student who has been criticized for "enthusiasm" issues are scheduled to teach Level 5 flip turns. It is obvious to us this is so both kids will fail.
When I think about it, DS probably doesn't have the best personality for teaching swimming lessons. I now wish I would have nipped the idea of the WSI course in the bud. But it's not like the other 16 year old boys are Mr. Personality either.
I know that this is going to be DS's future. Do we really help him look for a job where he won't have to interface with other people? What a depressing prospect that is!
Has anyone with an Aspie child, or who is an Aspie themselves, found the perfect summer job?
The course was last week...should have been finished by now, but there were lots of rain delays. Last night DS told us that on Friday, the teacher told him that he had good skills and technical knowledge, but that she probably wouldn't pass him because he does not have the bubbly personality necessary to teach swimming. Their final exam is tomorrow, and most of the kids have to teach something like the Level 3 front crawl, or the Level 2 back float. DS and the other student who has been criticized for "enthusiasm" issues are scheduled to teach Level 5 flip turns. It is obvious to us this is so both kids will fail.
When I think about it, DS probably doesn't have the best personality for teaching swimming lessons. I now wish I would have nipped the idea of the WSI course in the bud. But it's not like the other 16 year old boys are Mr. Personality either.
I know that this is going to be DS's future. Do we really help him look for a job where he won't have to interface with other people? What a depressing prospect that is!
Has anyone with an Aspie child, or who is an Aspie themselves, found the perfect summer job?