RE: Talking to peers about your child?

October 6, 2009

We NEVER use the " a " word in regard to my son. I feel there are too many

negative connotations with it, that it is grossly misunderstood, and that

too often, it's associated with violence and aggression. There is a lot of

fear around it, and I don't want my son to be associated that way.

He has been fully included since K (he's in 2nd now). The other kids have

been GREAT with him, and the other parents, too. Many of them know he and

his twin were born at 26 weeks, yada-yada, and they know he has some

lingering delays, and that language is his biggest challenge. PERIOD.

I volunteer a lot at their school, and I'm treasurer for PTA. He seems to be

included in birthday parties and when the kids are playing on the

playground, even though he clearly has difficulty socializing with the other

kids.

Kristy

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

ljburns83

Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2009 1:40 PM

Subject: Talking to peers about your child?

Has anyone spoken in their child's classroom to the students about

(known as autism in school terms)? My son just entered kindergarten last

month and every time I volunteer in his classroom I am discouraged. He seems

to be a different child in the class versus at home-less engaging and

limited speech within the classroom.

I have asked the teacher if she wants me to speak about and autism

and haven't gotten a solid answer from her (although I haven't pressed

either).

I don't know if the kids are too young to " get it " and be more patient with

(or if they care). Do any of you have experience or words of wisdom

to share?

Thank you,

October 6, 2009

Hi ,

When our son started 1st grade (fully integrated), my husband

volunteered to read in his class every Friday, when he had their full

attention, he introduced himself as our son's dad and told them our

son was very sick as a baby and had a lot of catching up to do. He

asked them to be patient and to help him catch up. They were always

very receptive and compassionate. We never tell anyone he has

" Autism " , just speech delay, and or other learning issues, due to

being sick and needs to catch up. Get the teachers support and if

she's difficult speak to the principal about changing him to a

different teacher. Every year, I get to know the next grade level

teachers and based on that I request the principal for a certain

teacher. Remember your a major part of the IEP Team, and the

teachers are there to support your son.

I hope this helps, God bless!

Argie

He is now in 5th grade and it's worked every year. I also volunteer

in his class as the room mom, and try to do fun things (bring movies,

games, goodies or treats for their class parties) or buy little toys

for the prize box. The teacher's appreciate it, and the other kids

remember how fun it was to have our son in their class.

On Oct 6, 2009, at 1:40 PM, ljburns83 wrote:

> Has anyone spoken in their child's classroom to the students about

> (known as autism in school terms)? My son just entered

> kindergarten last month and every time I volunteer in his classroom

> I am discouraged. He seems to be a different child in the class

> versus at home-less engaging and limited speech within the classroom.

>

> I have asked the teacher if she wants me to speak about and

> autism and haven't gotten a solid answer from her (although I

> haven't pressed either).

>

> I don't know if the kids are too young to " get it " and be more

> patient with (or if they care). Do any of you have

> experience or words of wisdom to share?

>

> Thank you,

>

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October 7, 2009

's in second grade this year. Generally, in school and his afterschool

program, kids just need a really simple piece of information. We've always said

that he learns differently and needs help from them for some things, like

speech, but also point out what he does well (running, climbing, etc) that he

can help them with. Most kids, we've found, so far anyway, have been really

good with him and patient when he doesn't immediately answer them. I expect

that to change as they get older (Middle School is a frightening thought for

me!), but he's making good progress. The gap has widened, even with the

protocol, but our hope is that his development will continue to catch up as

other kids maybe slow down a litte, and things will even out over the remaining

elementary years.

Alaine

>

> Has anyone spoken in their child's classroom to the students about (known

as autism in school terms)? My son just entered kindergarten last month and

every time I volunteer in his classroom I am discouraged. He seems to be a

different child in the class versus at home-less engaging and limited speech

within the classroom.

>

> I have asked the teacher if she wants me to speak about and autism and

haven't gotten a solid answer from her (although I haven't pressed either).

>

> I don't know if the kids are too young to " get it " and be more patient with

(or if they care). Do any of you have experience or words of wisdom to

share?

>

> Thank you,

>

October 7, 2009

There is a mom in our community who goes to elementary schools and does

a presentation that helps the classmates " get it. " She has been doing

it for several years and the presentations are always well-received.