Re: Questions for the group

December 28, 2000

Hi Nia;

There's a weath of information on the Jaguar site

www.excel.net/~jaguar

It will answer most of your electromedicine questions.

ciao

Duncan

July 28, 2007

The most important thing that they all need to know is that most kids

do not have a " purely psychological disorder " as most would like to

believe. Most of these children have very real medical issues that

need to be addressed and the best thing any teacher can do is to help

support that in the school. If it were purely psychological and

nothing can be done children wouldn't be getting better.

We should know what foods they are having in the class so we can give

proper replacements so our kids aren't left out or even given what

they shouldn't have. When we say no dairy (or whatever), that

doesn't mean a little is okay. If there is *any* question as to

whether a child can or can't have something, they should pick up the

phone and call that instant. We know they all have cell phones.

It's not that difficult to make a 2 minute call.

My neighbor's NT daughter has a serious anaphylactic response to

peanuts and her teacher *made* her clean up peanut butter and then

had her *walk* all the way across the campus *alone* to see the nurse

- all the while she is swelling quickly and could have died. All

because her teacher didn't believe it could possibly be that bad.

She just barely made it to the nurse in time.

The other thing they need to know is that sensory issues are *not*

something that you can just make go away by taking away things they

need. Another friend of mine with an ASD son had a teacher that took

away his koosh ball that he needed to be able to focus because *she*

felt he shouldn't be relying upon it. So every time he needed

something to keep his hands busy she wouldn't give it to him and

would put him in a time out or make him leave the room. Needless to

say this happened multiple times throughout the day for God only

knows how long until mom found out about it. Mom couldn't figure out

why he didn't want to go school anymore, then it became quite clear

and she pulled him from the school (there were many other issues) but

this one was the one that could easily be compared to abuse.

They need to understand that these are not typical children and no

amount of trying to force it upon them is going to make it happen.

It takes much more than they realize and most of that is done at home

(meds, supps, diet, therapy, etc) and even though they don't know

much about it, that doesn't mean it isn't real. Teacher's need to

stop being afflicted by the same complex that affects a lot of

doctors; they assume because they don't know about it that somehow it

doesn't exist and therefor should just be tossed out the window. If

they don't know about it, they need to learn at least enough to have

a basic understanding if it pertains to any of their kids.

Of course, I'm sure you'll find a nicer way to put it!

cheryl

On Jul 28, 2007, at 10:02 AM, jordanshona wrote:

> Hi guys! I'm in an interesting position and I need your help. I have

> been asked to help write a grant to provide training for teachers and

> staff in our district to learn more about how to educate students with

> disabilities such as autism, , ADD, and ADHD. I know as a parent

> what I want teachers to know, but I was wondering if any of you have

> experience or suggestions as to trainers, workshops, etc. that would

> be beneficial for educators. I want it to be practical and beneficial

> for these folks to attend or for us to bring the trainers to the

> teachers and staff. I would welcome any suggestions.

>

> Thanks as always.

>

> Shona

>

July 28, 2007

Shona,

I'm just starting into some books by Winner

http://www.socialthinking.com/

She really seems to understand the deficits our children have. The book is

detailed reading and I'm not very far into it, but she does have some books

that look very interesting such as " Think Social! A Social Thinking

Curriculum for School-Age Students " .

She talks about teaching theory of mind, etc. Things that are basically

NEVER addressed in a typical setting. They are complex and difficult

concepts to understand, and even more difficult to teach. My dream would be

to have my kids in her classes if we lived near her school and could afford

it.

I heard a tape of one of her speeches and was really taken aback at how well

she had our kids pegged (and she definitely sees that there is a wide range

of abilities out there).

Caroline

> From: jordanshona <jordanshona@...>

> Reply-< >

> Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:02:47 +0000

> < >

> Subject: questions for the group