My Autistic Student Took My Badge Home

You never really know the effect you are having on people; just like you never really know what others are dealing with. This should be common knowledge. Life has proven that time and time again. Anyway, I had yet another reminder when I got a new student in my ESE class.

Getting To Know The New Kids

She wasn’t in my class for the first few weeks so when she and a few others were added, I was a bit overwhelmed. I had to hurry up and get them caught up with our routine, get to know them, etc. She was a sweet girl, she didn’t say much and it was hard to know what was going on in her head.

The one thing that I know for sure about her is that she loves to take things home with her. If she asks to play with something, what she really means is “can I put this is my backpack and keep it forever?” Sometimes I let her. Actually, I let her whenever I can because why not? But other times, I spend all day repeatedly explaining to her why she can’t take my three-hole punch home with her. 🤦‍♀️🤣

Anyway, a week or so after she joined the class, she asked to wear my lanyard that holds my badge. I said sure and she happily put it on. On a side note, this is also when I learned about her “take-home hobby.”

See where this is going?

My Memory Failed Me

Hours later, I am on my way home, blissfully unaware that I never got my badge back. Then I get a text from her mom, telling me that her daughter brought it home.

I had to laugh. I had totally forgotten to get it back which I explained to mom. She said she would make sure it came back and it did. This sweet girl came in the next morning, wearing her lanyard and mine. I playfully teased her about taking my badge home and she gave it back.

I’m Teacher

But, here’s the super sweet part. Mom told me that she came home and immediately showed her my picture on the badge. She said “That’s her. That’s teacher.”

Oh, my heart. It was then that I realized that she was happy in the class and to put it simply, she liked me. I mean, who doesn’t want to be liked? It’s a great feeling but also a big burden at the same time. Because as the teacher, I want to deserve it. It has made me extra aware of my actions and has reminded me to take the extra time to check on her. To be fair, I think I was probably doing that before, or I hope I was, ha, but still, reminders are good!

And cute little girls who bring badges home to show their moms are just adorable.

By the way, she’s not so quiet anymore.😉