For the last 8 weeks, we have had between one and three foreign exchange students living with us. The last of them left this morning and for the first time in 2 months, the house is down to our normal 5 members. I have been amazed at how well Tanner has adjusted to the new additions as they have come and gone! He bonded quite strongly with our first student and showed signs of sadness during the days after she left. He accepted the other students as natural family members and treated them like sisters. I think the experience was good for him, but what I'm very pleased about is the experience that he gave the students.
Our first student had Asperger's herself, though so mild it was hardly noticeable. She learned from Tanner that not all autistic children are quiet and unaffectionate. Tanner is quite the opposite! The students from Okinawa knew nothing about autism when they arrived and left with a good understanding of the disorder. I would highly recommend hosting foreign students to families who have children on the spectrum! I was nervous about it, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience for us all!
Though now that they are all gone, I find myself looking forward to the school year beginning and life returning to a predictable routine! haha
