Re: Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

[Guest guest]

Education would be my very 1st suggestion as just knowing aspergers/autism makes you able to better handle situations, I know the trouble we had this year was so much about teachers who just didnt know and were treating things like they were deliberate and therefore aggravating situations.  The next would be open communication with parents b/c every child is different and the parents have known the child so long they know the little tips, tricks and quirks of that child.

 

Good Luck, I went to FAU (did not graduate there though as we now live in SC) many many years ago

On Wed, Jul 21, 2010 at 10:47 PM, malexa2505 <malexa2505@...> wrote:

 

Hi everyone!I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.

How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...Thanks all!

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , , , and baby girl no name (yeah I know, nothing new, does ever pick a name in a timely manner?) July 2010

[Guest guest]

Push to have an aide in your classroom to help with organization. This is a very hard thing for most kids with AS to handle. Not to do it all for them, but to have someone there reminding them what's next.

Also, most of our kids learn....and learn well. Homework is an incredibly hard thing for them as well. Having to come home and do more work after trying to hold it together all day is horrific.

When my son was in 5th grade, his worst, the teacher eliminated homework for Ian. If he could show that he could do it, that was enough. It helped immensely.

One more thing, it's the social area that devastated us the most. NOT having kids including him. My son, as well as most, are sent out to recess or into the lunchroom with no friends and expected to "survive".

I would assign lunch buddies/partners to all kids. Make it like a revolving thing.....who you sit with would be assigned and change weekly, perhaps.

Make the kids involved with the one/s with AS. Ask them all (the one with AS as well) how to make things better. I bet you'd be amazed at how nice kids can be, ya know?

Don't ever send a kid with AS out on a playground without a plan,,,,please.

If you see kids NOT being nice, please make them be nice. It should be a crime to not be nice. Kids on the spectrum DO NOT have the ability to just go up and naturally start a "give and take" conversation.

Hope this helped.

Hugs to you for asking.....you're gonna be great!!!!

Attack and enjoy every minute of life.

Try everything.....protect everything.

Robin

From: malexa2505 <malexa2505@...>Subject: ( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions... Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 9:47 PM

Hi everyone!I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...Thanks all!

[Guest guest]

Here are the things I wish schools would understand:

1) A significant amount of AS kids have significant deficits

in processing speed, working memory and executive function. Although they are

verbally gifted (and we often judge intelligence based on this) they are

severely impaired with getting work down and often are in very overwhelmed

states trying to keep up. They exprience anxiety

and depression in trying to cope with the dissonance of having

a average or better reasoning skills yet not able to produce the

work consistently and being judged as able but unwilling.

2) AS is a neurological disorder where people get ridgidly stuck

on some idea and can't move forward. Although teaching social perspective,

manners and how others think is a best current practice

in ASD treatment, AS kids and adults will often still suffer from

difficulty in transitioning their thoughts to the group. Although it

may not seem a serious impairment and it is. Many as adults are

not able to work or fit into social groups despite the desire to do so. AS young

adults need supportive services for work and living

skills.

3.) The impairment to learning and socializing is not understood

often by the professionals that work with AS child. The solutions may seem

simple, " teach them the skills they need " . Few AS kids

if any can incooperate skills taught without extensive practice, reinforcement

in structured setting. Applied Behavior Analysis is

one of the few proven strategies for change. Few schools do

employ these skills for the AS population reserving services

for the severely cognitive impaired.

4) To distinguish between kids with ASD that are severely impaired from those

that are not, some standard neropsychological tests

need to be incorporated into the IEP evaluation process to

determine those with Non verbal learning disorders or server

executive function deficits.

thanks for asking for input,

Pam

>

> Hi everyone!

>

> I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic

University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to

join your group to learn more!

>

> I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could

be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

perspective.

>

> How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

>

>

> Thanks all!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

oh and I love the not senidng them on the playground without a plan, not only do they always just send my dd out but they do it without warning to the teachers on duty about her so she has gotten upset when she has withdrawn and other kids " check " on her too much, she has also walked off the playground and gone back inside or hid in the corner by the door.  But I love that i dont find any of this out until there is a problem.  and I love walking into a conference and asking how she is doing and getting the line " well I'm not out on the playground " and " well there are only 2 teachers to watch 75 kids " etc...I am sorry that is the case but probably 70 of those kids dont need constant supervision so at least occasionally glance at those other 5 and see that they're OK or at least occasionally glance so you can sound knowledgable to the parent.

On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 10:21 AM, and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> wrote:

 

Push to have an aide in your classroom to help with organization.  This is a very hard thing for most kids with AS to handle.  Not to do it all for them, but to have someone there reminding them what's next.

 

Also, most of our kids learn....and learn well.  Homework is an incredibly hard thing for them as well.  Having to come home and do more work after trying to hold it together all day is horrific.

When my son was in 5th grade, his worst, the teacher eliminated homework for Ian.  If he could show that he could do it, that was enough.  It helped immensely.

 

One more thing, it's the social area that devastated us the most.  NOT having kids including him.  My son, as well as most, are sent out to recess or into the lunchroom with no friends and expected to " survive " .

I would assign lunch buddies/partners to all kids.  Make it like a revolving thing.....who you sit with would be assigned and change weekly, perhaps.

Make the kids involved with the one/s with AS.   Ask them all (the one with AS as well) how to make things better.  I bet you'd be amazed at how nice kids can be, ya know?

 

Don't ever send a kid with AS out on a playground without a plan,,,,please.

If you see kids NOT being nice, please make them be nice.  It should be a crime to not be nice.  Kids on the spectrum DO NOT have the ability to just go up and naturally start a " give and take " conversation.

 

Hope this helped.

 

Hugs to you for asking.....you're gonna be great!!!!

Attack and enjoy every minute of life.

Try everything.....protect everything.

 

Robin

From: malexa2505 <malexa2505@...>Subject: ( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 9:47 PM

 

Hi everyone!I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.

How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...Thanks all!

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , , , and baby girl no name (yeah I know, nothing new, does ever pick a name in a timely manner?) July 2010

[Guest guest]

Pamela;

Your response is exactly what happens to our kids at schools. Excellent exampes and arguments. Their disabilty is misunderstood and they just see the surface of the problem.

Ide

From: Pamela <susanonderko@...> Sent: Thu, July 22, 2010 9:26:23 AMSubject: ( ) Re: Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

Here are the things I wish schools would understand: 1) A significant amount of AS kids have significant deficitsin processing speed, working memory and executive function. Although they are verbally gifted (and we often judge intelligence based on this) they are severely impaired with getting work down and often are in very overwhelmed states trying to keep up. They exprience anxietyand depression in trying to cope with the dissonance of having a average or better reasoning skills yet not able to produce the work consistently and being judged as able but unwilling. 2) AS is a neurological disorder where people get ridgidly stuckon some idea and can't move forward. Although teaching social perspective, manners and how others think is a best current practicein ASD treatment, AS kids and adults will often still suffer fromdifficulty in transitioning their thoughts to the group. Although itmay not seem a

serious impairment and it is. Many as adults arenot able to work or fit into social groups despite the desire to do so. AS young adults need supportive services for work and living skills. 3.) The impairment to learning and socializing is not understood often by the professionals that work with AS child. The solutions may seem simple, "teach them the skills they need". Few AS kidsif any can incooperate skills taught without extensive practice, reinforcement in structured setting. Applied Behavior Analysis is one of the few proven strategies for change. Few schools do employ these skills for the AS population reserving servicesfor the severely cognitive impaired. 4) To distinguish between kids with ASD that are severely impaired from those that are not, some standard neropsychological testsneed to be incorporated into the IEP evaluation process to determine those with Non verbal learning disorders or

server executive function deficits. thanks for asking for input,Pam >> Hi everyone!> > I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!> > I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.> > How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...> > > Thanks all!> > >

[Guest guest]

theres not much more that most of us can say that pamela didnt say our children

are very misuderstood and within the public school very few children get the

education they deserve when they cant keep up in class they are often threw into

special education where the criculim may bu at a slower level but too often isnt

enough of a challenge for them so they sitll dont get an education that they

deserve my son will be the only child with asperbergs when he start kindergarten

this year and as of yet there isnt an type of program or resources in my area

for him this is sad because i refuse to let my sons brillent mind be left behind

due to the lack enough educated teachers on AS i hate having to put him in

public schools but with 4 children it requires my husband and i both to work so

there is no time for homeschooling

> >

> > Hi everyone!

> >

> > I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic

University.

> >I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your

> >group to learn more!

> >

> > I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could

be

> >useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

> >perspective.

> >

> > How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

> >

> >

> > Thanks all!

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You didn't say what grades you were focusing on K-8 or high school.

But communication with the parents is paramount to the students success as well as the teachers.

A one page questioniarre, that could be completed via a phone conversation would get everyone off on the right foot. This questions would be basic info as far as how the disorder affects their child and the best way thus far to deal with the individual differences...

Then bullet point the students' IEP.... (I always did this in advance for my son's teachers, as they usually don't get the IEPs timely and don't have much time to read them anyway. Also I had a half page summary (bullet points for his behavior plan as well) ... plus his picture... then this was available for subs.... and I would title the page as Tommy needs adults assistance with: and then list the points so it wasn't a IEP document.

A meeting with the student to go over goal is also important...

( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...Hi everyone!I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...Thanks all!------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Excellent answer, Pamela. I gather you've given this a lot of thought.

Sue in VA

> >

> > Hi everyone!

> >

> > I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic

University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to

join your group to learn more!

> >

> > I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could

be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

perspective.

> >

> > How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

> >

> >

> > Thanks all!

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Pam, you state everything so well. Thank you so much. You help me clear my mind. Are you a professional or just a very experienced Mom?

( ) Re: Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

Excellent answer, Pamela. I gather you've given this a lot of thought.Sue in VA> >> > Hi everyone!> > > > I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!> > > > I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.> > > > How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...> > > > > > Thanks all!> > > > > >>

[Guest guest]

Hi , some of my thoughts. My AS son is now 21 and in college but I sure

remember public school!

When teachers (or anyone) hear " autism " or " Aspergers " - don't assume. Each

child is different, an individual. Need to learn that child's strengths and

weaknesses - for their personality, school subjects, behavior....

Realize that they can be a target for bullying, teasing (as any child can).

They may feel a bit " lost " if regular routine is broken, something changes.

Will need direction as to what/how it is now to be done, etc. Don't assume they

will pick up on it as other students will.

Lunchrooms/cafeterias - I think someone should go over the routine there with

them, choices, how it works...walk them through it.

Don't underestimate them. And opposite - don't overestimate. As a parent, I

have to keep this in mind myself!

Don't leave it up to the class to get in groups themselves, choose a partner....

Find another way so child isn't left out.

Also realize with groups/partners -- our children often have trouble with this,

goes with the social problems re autism.

Quick thoughts, gotta go, or I'm sure I could go on & on... This may not be

what you were looking for for your presentation, but as an educator.

>

> Hi everyone!

>

> I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic

University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to

join your group to learn more!

>

> I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could

be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

perspective.

>

> How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

>

[Guest guest]

,

These are some things that come to my mind:

1. Asperger Syndrom (Autism) is on a Spectrum. Students with AS can vary greatly. Not all children with AS have the same traits. For example, my son does have some eye contact. And, because he does, I have been told by an OT that she didn't think he did.

2. Some of our children may appear "Lazy". They are not. They may be stuck...they maybe afraid to ask for help, they may not understand the directions.

3. Most children with AS are less mature than their peers.

4. Many children with AS have other dx....such as OCD. Many have sensory intergration problems...or are easily distracted. Many children with AS are stressed and anxious. Children with sensory issues such as not being able to stand loud noises may cover their ears or pull up their hood. My son will put his head down on the desk so that he is not distracted. He is an auditory learner.

5. Children with AS have a very difficult time with socialization. They don't pick up on social cues. And, they do not know about the "unwritten" school rules.

6. Meltdowns, crying, anger....are all due to fustration and fears (anxiety). Fustration such as too much noise, too much stimulation, routines broken, fear of parent not coming or missing the bus. Usually there is a trigger for the meltdowns, crying, anger...just have to figure out what is going on.

7. Compassion is needed. I beleive our children are very sensitive and when people are compassionate with them...so much more can be accomplished.

8. Seating in the classroom...watch where and who you sit them next to.

9. Bullying, teasing, etc. Be aware. Most students can be very sneaky about this.

10 Lunch room. The noise and lights and smells maybe way too much for a student. Also, there is not a lot of supervision in a lunch room so teasing can take place.

11. Executive Function skills are usually low or lacking. Need help orgainizing and maintaining the organization. Usually a good idea to have an extra set of books at home and get copies of the notes given in class as a lot of students with AS have a difficult time with handwriting.

12. Communication, communication, communication between parent and teachers needs to be constant sometimes even once a day.

13. Understanding. Teachers/staff/administration need to learn about AS as the more they know, the better they are able to understand and work with children with AS.

14. And never ASSUME.

Jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: candacelbaine <candacelbaine@...> Sent: Thu, July 22, 2010 11:15:24 AMSubject: ( ) Re: Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

theres not much more that most of us can say that pamela didnt say our children are very misuderstood and within the public school very few children get the education they deserve when they cant keep up in class they are often threw into special education where the criculim may bu at a slower level but too often isnt enough of a challenge for them so they sitll dont get an education that they deserve my son will be the only child with asperbergs when he start kindergarten this year and as of yet there isnt an type of program or resources in my area for him this is sad because i refuse to let my sons brillent mind be left behind due to the lack enough educated teachers on AS i hate having to put him in public schools but with 4 children it requires my husband and i both to work so there is no time for homeschooling > >> > Hi everyone!> > > > I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. > >I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your > >group to learn more!> > > > I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be > >useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

> >perspective.> > > > How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...> > > > > > Thanks all!> > > > > >>

[Guest guest]

I hear ya, .

There is no excuse. Well.......I guess there IS an excuse. Not enough teachers/helpers for the playground. Either way,,,,,,it's devastating to find out that your kid is, like yours, hiding by the door - waiting to be let in because they honestly can't take it out there. Pitiful.

In my eyes, the teacher should be out there when the kids are out there. Yep, I know that they need to prepare for the next lessons, but you know what? Our teachers were out with us when I was a kid.....many, many years ago. That was just the way it was.

My son was eventually allowed to go to the SPED room to get on the computer for 1 of the 3 playground times/day. He was sooo happy. The other 2 were sad.......but they let him bring a book out if he wanted to. Odd thing is that he wouldn't remember to bring it out, nor would the teacher remember to tell him, so he'd find himself outside with a locked door,.... all upset and trying to get back in. Ahh.............yanking him out after 5th grade was wonderful for him. AND....when he went back to public school for 8th they didn't have recess any more. THANK GOD!!!!!

Attack and enjoy every minute of life.

Try everything.....protect everything.

Robin

From: malexa2505 <malexa2505 (DOT) com>Subject: ( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions. .. Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 9:47 PM

Hi everyone!I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...Thanks all!

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , , , and baby girl no name (yeah I know, nothing new, does ever pick a name in a timely manner?) July 2010

[Guest guest]

I feel the biggest thing is understanding. Allow for their differences. You can't cure it so awareness is the only hope. Thankyou for caring enough to askI will keep climbing the mountain.Sent from Kel's iPhone On 22/07/2010, at 12:47 PM, "malexa2505" <malexa2505@...> wrote:

Hi everyone!

I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.

How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

Thanks all!

[Guest guest]

our teachers have a planning period earlier in the day when they have special areas so it isnt like they dont get a break already, though at least at this school they eat with the kids, at our old school the teachers didnt even sit with the kids at lunch, they had lunch monitors instead (and none were very friendly imho)

 

The problem we had was that even the kids she could kind of get taken care of by (nice neighbors) had another teacher and that teacher would let kids stay inside and help if they asked and they frequently did that so werent out on the playground.  Becca got to stay and help her teacher a couple times and did much better but it was rare.

 

Now this conversation has me thinking, at our beginning of the year mtg I may ask for her to be able to go to the library or such instead, the library has been bags, sofas, a tent, and puzzles in addition to books (she doesnt like reading much) so would be a nice getaway

On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 5:15 PM, and/or Robin Lemke <jrisjs@...> wrote:

 

I hear ya, .

There is no excuse.  Well.......I guess there IS an excuse.  Not enough teachers/helpers for the playground.  Either way,,,,,,it's devastating to find out that your kid is, like yours, hiding by the door - waiting to be let in because they honestly can't take it out there.  Pitiful.

 

In my eyes, the teacher should be out there when the kids are out there.  Yep, I know that they need to prepare for the next lessons, but you know what?  Our teachers were out with us when I was a kid.....many, many years ago.  That was just the way it was.

 

My son was eventually allowed to go to the SPED room to get on the computer for 1 of the 3 playground times/day.  He was sooo happy.  The other 2 were sad.......but they let him bring a book out if he wanted to.  Odd thing is that he wouldn't remember to bring it out, nor would the teacher remember to tell him, so he'd find himself outside with a locked door,.... all upset and trying to get back in.

Ahh.............yanking him out after 5th grade was wonderful for him.  AND....when he went back to public school for 8th they didn't have recess any more.  THANK GOD!!!!!

Attack and enjoy every minute of life.

Try everything.....protect everything.

 

Robin

From: malexa2505 <malexa2505 (DOT) com>

Subject: ( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions. ..

Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 9:47 PM

 

Hi everyone!I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.

How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...Thanks all!

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , , , and baby girl no name (yeah I know, nothing new, does ever pick a name in a timely manner?) July 2010

-- -mommy to Emma, Becca, , , , and baby girl no name (yeah I know, nothing new, does ever pick a name in a timely manner?) July 2010

[Guest guest]

Hi, . I hope these ideas aren't redundant, but here are a few that we

have experienced first hand.

As routine is extremely important, practicing the daily routine before it is

completely expected can help. Example - walk the child through his entrance

into the classroom in the morning: coming in, umpacking backpack, notes from

home go (here), put backpack away, hang up coat, make lunch selection, take your

seat. Just practicing these actions repeatedly in the beginning will help with

getting this accomplished.

We also made a social story book. For example, " Jack starts second grade " . I

arranged to take him to school early, and took my camera. We took pictures of

everything he would encounter during the day and discussed the appropriate

behavior associated with that activity. We took the pictures and put those

captions underneath the pictures - for example - in the hallway, standing by the

water fountain - caption underneath read " During break times, I will stand in

line and wait my turn for a drink quietly " . We took pics of him with teacher,

principal, lunch lady, school secretary - anyone he would come in contact with

on a daily basis. He then took this book with him to school, and if he started

acting up, the teacher would tell him to get it out and reread it. He also

shared it with the class. This was a wonderful tool.

Having a visual schedule of the day, with special symbols for 'change' and

surprise helped as well. The teacher made one for Jack's whole class, and I

made a small one with squares denoting subjects/activites with velcro on the

back of each square, for a laminated strip across the top of his desk. The

teacher could then arrange it as needed.

If a behavior rating system is used, break it down into half days or shorter

periods. That way if one mistake/bad choice is made in the morning, the child

has another chance of getting a good mark for the day.

These are just a few things we dealt with from our situation. Good luck!

>

> Hi everyone!

>

> I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic

University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to

join your group to learn more!

>

> I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could

be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

perspective.

>

> How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

>

>

> Thanks all!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I'm sure we've all had different school experiences, but here are some of the suggestions I give to the teachers who spend time with my AS 8 year old:

1) Pick your battles. If she wants to use a blue crayon when everyone else is using red, it's not a big deal. Don't make it one. However, if she's emptying her desk by throwing each and every item from the desk randomly, this is something you have to manage.

2) Find ways to help her be less overwhelmed during more rote activities. (math facts) Cut her paper in 4 pieces. Give her one at a time...throughout the day. She has the skills - just not the patience.

3) My big push for 3rd grade this year: Stop removing her from the classroom or school altogether when you don't want to deal with her. Her right to a free and public education is more important than your right to an easy day. This is the career you chose.

4) Help her plan for changes. If math is normally at 9, but there's an assembly today at that time, let her know the day before. She needs to prepare mentally. The same goes for days when there will be a sub in the classroom - and even days when the lunch menu has been changed.

5) Be flexible. There's a bit of game-playing that goes along with handling a child with AS. Think outside the box.

6) Keep me informed. I need to know when things are falling apart. Her psychiatrist and I cannot make changes in medication, or discuss how to best deal with problems if I am not kept aware. Don't store this information to blow me away at Parent-Teacher conferences. That's not helpful.

Those are the ones I can think of at the moment. Hope this helps...and that mabye your compilation of ideas gets published in an education journal that all teacher read.

( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

Hi everyone!I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to join your group to learn more!I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective.How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...Thanks all!

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.851 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3022 - Release Date: 07/22/10 14:36:00

[Guest guest]

Lori, This was my favorite item from your list:

3) My big push for 3rd grade this year: Stop removing her from the classroom or school altogether when you don't want to deal with her. Her right to a free and public education is more important than your right to an easy day. This is the career you chose.

AWESOME !

--

[Guest guest]

Sometimes when you don't know what to do it's best to stop and do nothing for a

bit. Just think about what is happening. As long as everyone is safe and

property isn't being damaged there is time to think.

If there isn't time to think you can sometimes buy time.

If a child with AS is having a meltdown ask the child what is upsetting them,

ask them what they need. If they are new to your classroom say, " I want to help

you but since I don't know you very well I don't know how. Can you tell me more

about yourself? " A guidance counselor did this with my 13 year old last year

when he was lying on the floor in the hallway crying over a bad grade. This

doesn't go over well in 7th grade, but it didn't phase the guidance counselor.

stopped his meltdown and said, " Okay " and went to the guidance office.

Stay calm, don't panic. The more out of control my son is, the more he needs

everyone else to be calm. He is frightened by his own anger sometimes. If

everyone else seems upset he'll just be more frightened.

Do everything you can possibly manage to catch them being good. " Thank you for

asking so nicely " , " I liked it that you used words. " Even if the child is

expressing something very negative encouraging word use and being very patient

for that is more important than you can imagine. If my son is upset and having

a meltdown and he doesn't hit anyone but he screams and yells I tell him, " I'm

glad you used words " .

I say as many positive things to my son as I can. It's like a bank account.

The negatives are withdrawals and the positives are deposits. You never want a

negative balance. So you have to catch all the positives. If I'm trying to get

my son to look at me I say, " I need to see your beautiful eyes. " I don't do

this as much in public now because he's 13 and that might seem babyish. If

is having a huge meltdown I say, " I know you're a great kid and you don't want

to behave this way. Other people don't know what a great kid you are because

they don't know you as well as I do. I know you want to show them what a great

kid you are. " You'd be surprised at the effect of this. If nothing else it

will buy time until you can figure out what to do.

When my son was in a very bad school they didn't notice him doing good things

and they inadvertently rewarded him for bad behavior. They would miss the signs

of potential meltdown and all the things he did to try to let other people know

about it then when he'd freak out they'd take him to the support classroom or

special education room where there was a swing and other sensory toys. If it

had been me I'd have said, " why are you upset " at the first sign and

offered him the opportunity to go swing. " you are making a growling noise.

What is wrong? " Any attempt at using words at this point should be

acknowledged. " Do you need a break? "

Fight for extra support. You need it and so does the child. Sometimes there is

a need for 1:1 support. Schools sometimes don't like providing extra support

for the child but extra support for the child is actually extra support for you.

Enlightened self-interest will get you a long way. If you meet a child's needs

that child will be more an asset to the classroom than a disruption.

At a great school my son attended he spent a lot of time in a centralized social

skills classroom with other kids like himself. They slowly had him spending

more and more time in the regular classroom. He was well supported and so was

the teacher. Within a short time the classroom teacher would beg to let

stay longer because he was contributing, he was an important part to what they

were doing. She was a wonderful wonderful teacher. She could say negative

things in positive ways. For example, I once heard her say to a child who was

talking instead of listening, " Honey, move where you can be successful. " She

didn't say it in a mean way. It tells the child that the behavior isn't a good

one but that she knows the child can fix it. It was truly a beautiful thing.

My son can be quite aggressive and can move pretty quickly, but I still use a

lot of time-buying and stop and think often.

Right now is attending camp. It's a regular boys and girls club camp but

his school purchased the slot to serve as extended school year. They also

provide a 1:1 support person and there is a special educator on site at all

times. I support them by providing ways to distract in case of emergency.

" you seem to be feeling upset, why don't we go read your new book. " I go

to used bookstores and buy as many comic strip type books as I can find. I also

make sure he always has a subscription to Game Informer. I carry books and game

magazines in the car. I don't like for to take his handheld games to camp

but books will help just as much.

Use parents as a resource. Ask them, " Are there any specific words you use to

help your child? Are there any specific words I should avoid? " For a while I

advised people not to use the word " rule " because the really terrible school he

attended at one point had too many ridiculous rules and the word " rule " became a

major trigger point for . I didn't care WHAT they said in it's place as

long as they avoided that word. Now he doesn't mind the word rule.

The phrase " peace treaty " from the game Civilization worked extremely well when

was 6 years old. He loved that game. He had a classmate with whom he

always fought. He got punched in the face one day by this kid. They just

tended to set each other off. So I told we needed to have a peace treaty

with the boy. 's eye just lit up and he said, " How do we do that?! " I told

him we should take something special to the boy and ask him to be friends.

The day of the peace treaty I took to school and went in with him.

had some fruit snacks in his backpack to give to the boy. went right up to

him and said, " I have something for you. " The boy looked skeptical and a little

scared. I'm glad I was there to translate. I said, " It's okay, you'll like

it. " Then said, " I want to have a peace treaty " and I had to translate,

" He wants to be friends. " Then gave him the fruit snacks and the boy

smiled. About 10 seconds later dropped everything out of his backpack

because after giving the fruit snacks he forgot to zip up his backpack again.

The boy with whom had a peace treaty was the first to jump up and help.

After that they were always friends. The teacher called me and said, " HOW did

you DO that?! " ROFL. She was so amazed. It was a beautiful thing. Moms

sometimes know tricks that will work extremely well. Moms might not always be

able to think of that but if you ask them they will probably have some

suggestions.

Observe the child as much as you can. Notice how they react to sounds and

sights and tactile input. Notice how they try to calm themselves. If they are

doing stimmy things that aren't hurting anyone choose a different battle.

Safety and self care are at the top of the list of important battles. Being a

good friend is probably up there as well. If safety is a big problem because

the child hurts people or runs away then work on those issues until they are

stabilized that one more issue can be added. Avoid working on too many things

at once.

I'll write more if I think of anything else.

Miriam

>

> Hi everyone!

>

> I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic

University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to

join your group to learn more!

>

> I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could

be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

perspective.

>

> How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

>

>

> Thanks all!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks ! My frustration level peaked at the end of 2nd grade when the school tried to force home schooling on us. I'm bringing a new attitude with me for 3rd grade!

Re: ( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

Lori, This was my favorite item from your list:

3) My big push for 3rd grade this year: Stop removing her from the classroom or school altogether when you don't want to deal with her. Her right to a free and public education is more important than your right to an easy day. This is the career you chose.

AWESOME !

--

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[Guest guest]

1. Work for a school/facility that provides adequate support (to both you and

the child). You don't want to be in a position where you have to choose between

doing what is right for a child and losing your job.

2. Become an expert in behavior modification, ABA, and reward systems. Try to

work with the parents to make sure there is consistency.

3. See each child as unique and try to figure out how they learn. Understand

that these kids are often very gifted in some areas while struggling in others

at basic tasks. Don't write them off as stupid OR assume that they don't need a

lot of help in other areas because they are off the charts (advanced) in

math/reading.

4. Become knowledgeable of the support in the community so you can help parents

find their way.

5. Understand that parents are simply fighting to make sure their child is in a

safe environment where they are learning to the best of their ability. It isn't

personal. On a personal level I liked my son's teachers and the staff at his

school; however, he hadn't learned anything academically in 2 years and he was

receiving virtually no therapeutic support, so I pulled him.

6. Take care of yourself and make sure you are getting enough relaxation time,

so that you don't burn out.

-

>

> Hi everyone!

>

> I am actively seeking my Master's degree in ESE at Florida Atlantic

University. I am working on a presentation on Asperger Syndrome and wanted to

join your group to learn more!

>

> I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for me, information that could

be useful, and most importantly TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's

perspective.

>

> How would you suggest I make your child's education more effective...

>

>

> Thanks all!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I got what you meant. That is so true. I just had this happen recently to my youngest who has dyslexia. The wall went up and they all went from complaining about all his problems to swearing he had no problems at all. it's such a joke and so obvious plus we are not new to the sped process. So I was instantly ready to scream, "Get some new material already!" lol. Yet, it's the same tired nonsense. We have talked to groups of school psychologist in training before and that is my biggest message - be the advocate for the child.

Roxanna

Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

( ) Educator looking for a parent's perspective and suggestions...

TIPS for me as an educator from a parent's perspective:

My overall goal for you would be to maintain objectivity and high teaching standards and practices. Many parents here like myself have run up against a wall because no teacher or staff members are willing to speak up and speak the truth. Teachers will let the top gun/the gatekeeper run the show and cower in the background as they say your child is doing so well and we shouldn't be concerned. Don't let yourself become a part of the bureaucratic process that withholds services in the name of saving money. Make your mission about educating the child, damn the consequences Not saying that will be easy, but if you present yourself as a person with ethics and standards, then you would probably not be hired by a school district like I describing. Finally, if you read this and have no idea what I'm referring to, you will someday. Remember this post. Thank you for asking your questions.