Novelisto

Not to add a 'cold shower' or anything, but do be wary of labeling a kid, even your own, as 'quirky.' This word is more loaded than you might expect. It can be a code word for many negative traits as you'll find if you google it. In our litigious society, nobody wants to say in writing 'this kid is a troublemaker' or 'this kid is emotionally disturbed' so they say 'quirky'.

laxtaxi

...In our litigious society, nobody wants to say in writing 'this kid is a troublemaker' or 'this kid is emotionally disturbed' so they say 'quirky'....

This is an asinine and ill-considered comment. One person's "litigious society" is another person's haven for protecting one's rights or the rights of one's family If it was your kid who was being discriminated against unfairly, you're either a liar or a really unique individual if you say you would let it go rather than seeking redress for the wrong.

nyschoolmom

Thanks for all the suggestions. Has anyone heard of the Cambridge School of Weston in Massachusetts or the Buxton School, also in Massachusetts. Both seems arty and open to students with diverse interests?

Novelisto

I'm going to ignore laxtaxi's attack...I didn't say what he/she says I said as anyone can see.

Here's some reasons why not to label your kid or any kid as 'quirky...'

Diagnosing developmental delays (see sidebar review)

You and Your Quirky Kid | Newsweek Health for Life | Newsweek.com

Is Your Kid Quirky?, If So, Find Out What To Do - CBS News

Dazzlezzz

Try Ashevill School in North Carolina.

It'a a magicl Wonderful place, a perfect enviornment for Artsy, Quirky kids (like me!)

jennycraig

I think "quirky" can mean things to different people. After reading this thread, I asked 3 of my daughters if they heard a child being described as "quirky", what did that mean? One said "Somebody that thinks outside of the box--does things a little differently than the others." Another said "Maybe artsy, different sense of humor, likes things that others may not, like maybe always wearing non-matching socks because they want to make a statement." My oldest daughter said "Weird. The kid is just plain weird."

keylyme

When I hear the term "quirky", it evokes images of a person who marches to the beat of a different drummer, but in a good and interesting way.

risingjunior

I think as long as you explain "quirky" a little its okay. As in "She's quirky. Very artsy and liberal".

drnancie

as a professional in the field, I can say that many use quirky as a code word for autistic spectrum, professionals included..

keylyme

So it can have a negative connotation....

mom0809

For me, when I hear 'quirky' in reference to a teenager, it's a good word.
However, a 'quirky' adult has a different connotation.

drnancie

many professionals actually use it as a diagnosis in reports to avoid saying aspergers or another form of autism. I would be careful.

Biohelpmom

DrNancie is correct, "quirky" is a word that professionals tend to use for Asperger's Syndrome (sp?) that the parents of a child don't want diagnosed.

Biohelpmom

Cross posted!

keylyme

Yes, but don't the professionals realize that it is not really a medical term and that it is just "professional slang"? i.e. I am a nurse, and might refer to a disoriented patient as being "out to lunch" to another nurse. If I heard someone on the street say that about someone, I would not immediately assume they had alzheimers or some other sort of dementia like I would if I were in the health care setting getting my shift report.