I am bothered with the way my head teacher treated our student with hyper-functional autism, What should I do?

Question

I graduated with a degree in Psychology, and presently working as Teacher Aide for a very sweet 5-year-old-kindergarten boy with hyper-functional autism (combined with a regular class). Based from my evaluation, (though I only started my job three weeks ago), he goes beyond the spectrum, he is almost normal, in social interaction and in so many ways... except that he manifest signs of echolalia and follow FEW patterns with his activity. The problem arised when I started to notice the attitude of my head teacher towards this kid, he seemed to be so mean and apply negative approach which is harsh for the development of the child,e.g. he shout, yell and coax on situations which are highly tolerable in class. Like when the student start to twitch his body and slouch on his seat but his focus is still on the lesson, he would pull him on his armpit and drag him on a corner for timeout. Worse! he would hold him on both shoulders and with a voice that could raise the dead from its tomb.. scold

Answer 1

He needs to be reported because it could go from verbal to physical abuse and the child has already got problems. You need to inform the parents or guardians about the problem and get them into see the special ed superintendent. I have a nonverbal 15 year old autistic son and if someone did that to him he would'nt teach again I would see to it

Hope this helps

Answer 2

You didn't mention which teacher is problematic. The first thing I would do is look at the IEP and make sure it is being followed. There is always a accommodations page which outlines the special supports he will need to have to be successful in school. You may or may not be allowed to see it as a teacher aide. Your best bet is to talk about your concerns to the child's case manager. The other option is to talk to the principal about it if you feel comfortable with the person. In no case should you contact the parent.

You are very limited as to what you can do as an aide. You need to bring in some people with authority. When you express your concerns, make sure you don't make accusations and use an inquiring approach. If you really think that the child is being injured, make an anonymous call to the Child Abuse Hotline.

As mentioned before, unless it is in his IEP, he cannot be held down. Dragging a child is completely outlandish.

Answer 3

The teacher should not be laying hands on the child...period.  You need to speak to the admin of the school immediately with your observations.  Write out any instances that support what you say and present them to your principal.  If they do not intervene or if they do and the teacher still does nothing, go to the director of special ed services for your district.

Answer 4

I don't care how long you have been there you need to report this teacher or you are not any better than this teacher as a parent of special needs child I would want to know if this doing this with to my child please for this child report it.

Answer 5

This sounds about typical.  And if you expect to last in public education you'd better get used to it.  They don't like the serious educators who make waves.  Remember, public school is not about that child.  It is about cushy careers for the terminally mediocre, and as far as your administrators go--they are clutching their retirement in one hand and covering their butts with another.  

I know several very talented and devoted young people who managed to last a year or even two in public education, they are all now doing real jobs in the real world.  No summer vacation--but the satisfaction of doing something truly worthwhile and effective makes up for that.  There's time enough for vacation--it's called retirement.  Good luck.  I admire your ideals, but that's not how American schools operate.

Answer 6

I think you should report this so called teacher, if that is what you would call someone who could treat a child with problems the way he has. Go to someone of higher power and let them know what is going on. No child should be treated this way.

Answer 7

I can understand your predicament, but a child´s welfare should always be  a priority.  Is there anybody you could talk to at the school? (the director, principal, dean, or headmaster) I think you have to speak out.  I am sure you know that treating a child in this inhumane manner will only hurt his development and scar him emotionally.  So, don´t wait until further damage is done, help this child who can not fend for himself.

Answer 8

if you state anything to anyone,  it will be your word against his.  take a video camera in and tape a few situations.  No one can rebut the tape.  Also find out the district stand of bullying and if that also is including staff members.   Request a meeting with your supervisors without the mentioning of the documentation.   Protect the child and be prepared to make waves this situation needs to be stopped and please contact the parents and ask if the child can be taped.  The parents will appreciate the intervention.  Or if possible, ask the parents to sit in in a class or two.  this might alter his attitude toward the kid.

Answer 9

We had similar situation in our school district.  The teacher was eventually dismissed, the aid was dismissed and the principal was reassigned.  You could be held accountable if you do not report this abuse. The principal was reassigned because he did not do anything when it was reported to him.

Do what is right.