Explain the Expression Not the Sharpest Crayon in the Box

Loshen hora, is what I am about to indulge in. The eldest child, the diagnosed one, has a test this Friday on figurative language and idioms. Idiomatic use of language would be one of those problem areas for kids on the spectrum: they tend to understand and use language literally. Which of course the teachers wouldn't know, since they have no interest in showing up for the team meetings--I got to have the social studies and math teacher tell me all about my child for five minutes and assume that meant she could dispense with the team meeting. Not that I'm bitter or anything. She is a gen ed teacher who didn't sign on to teach special education, and I'm told that she'd rather the aide deal with Primera's moments. This would be that famous transition to middle school that I keep hearing about, despite all the reassurances that they aim to create a warmer, cozier feel for the kids.

I just got off the phone with my nice friend who points out that Primera is making friends and being fresh to her mother, which are age-appropriate activities, and that those are the big things. The academic stuff, in the scheme of things, is less important. Which I know is true, and which I am unable to believe in my heart. As they say in Teacher Effectiveness Training, that's my issue, not Primera's.