Autism In Small Town America?

Question

Hello,

Autism is a condition that is getting a lot of publicity in today's times because of so many people are being diagnosed with it.

In small towns all over America it is no different. though some small towns are just getting by and program funding is hard.

Are you one in small town America dealing with any form of autism in your family?

Here is a link to a idea that is a real good one!!

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-10691

It might even help your child out by bring this idea up to your childs school.

What do you all think about teaching autistic children and others with learning problems cooking? It teaches them reading,math,chemistry, and in a group setting how to get along and socialize with others of course if it is healthy cooking like this it even teaches to eat healthy!

As my father always said if one knows how to cook, one will always have a job!

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

I think that having cooking in school for any children with speical needs  is cool aslong as the ratio's are low as safety in a kitchen would be essential. I think, as long as schools could afford to put in the safety measure that would be needed to make it a safe envioronment and a good sensory integration piece that it would be a great idea

Answer 2

My daughter is autistic but they don't do cooking at her school. However, we do cook at home and she really enjoys it. She does need someone to supervise her but on the whole she copes pretty well. As you point out it gives these children a whole range of skills without them realising. Schools her in the UK don't do a lot of cooking anymore in general so it would be a good idea to get all children cooking more.

Answer 3

Autism reports are expanding as the autism spectrum expands.  Children who 20-40 years ago would have just been socially awkward or shy are now on the AS.

There is also a growing thought that it is not a "disability" but more of a "way of learning".

The idea you have is certainly one that would work with some students (whether they have AS or not), but not for every student.

Just knowing how to cook does not mean you will always have a job.  Having a job means knowing so much more than cooking.