Virtual learning has been a miracle cure for this student with Autism: 'I love school'

HOPEWELL, Va. -- The new world of virtual learning is full of surprises for teachers, students, and parents. But there may not be two people more surprised than Melissa Taylor and her 11-year-old son Landon.

Eight days into his new virtual learning routine, Landon uttered three words that his mom had never heard him say before.

"I love school."

It's a transformation Melissa never expected.

"He would tell me every day, he didn't want to go, it was just a hate for school, he hated to go," she said. "There were times where I had to call the school and say I couldn't get him to come to school because he was absolutely non-compliant to get ready in the morning."

Landon lives with Autism and a severe case of ADHD, according to his mom.

"I've had tons of bullies back in the years and they really made me hate school and I felt stressed," Landon said. "Now, I just feel relieved cause I don't have to deal with them."

Along with a new attitude, virtual learning contributed to Landon coming off one of his medications.

"He has not had to take any of his gird medicine, whatsoever, because the acid build-up is not there from nerves," Melissa said.

Landon appreciates the ability to take a class his way.

"I love that we actually have good teachers that can actually teach us stuff instead of just getting mad at us for every little thing," he said.

His mom cannot get over the change.

"Last week, he actually got up, every day at 6:30, was ready, came out, surprised me in the kitchen and said mom, when's school starting," he said. "I post of Facebook, saying you know I just can't believe this, I'm sorry that everybody else is having this awful year, but for us, it's a new beginning to a new life.

"As a mom, you want to see your child succeed and you want to see them strive and thrive and that's what I'm seeing in him."