Mothers and teachers, do you have an autistic child at home or in class?

Question

i'm about to have one in my kindergarten class next year... I have read and attended seminars about autism but I still feel that I need a lot more.. I need to hear from real people and real cases that's why I'm asking here.... I had a long talk with his previos teacher .. he had what we call a shadow teacher, a trained teacher who attended all school day with him and he only delt with her... we're not sure if he'll have that this year or it will be only me and my assistant.... I'm planning to have a meating with his mom and his thyrapist but until then i want to know more from you if you are dealing with a similar case.. and if you can recommend a good book to read I'll be thankfull.

Answer 1

All kids are different. I had three autistic kids in my preK class last year, and all had different needs. Austin was my cutie, he was in a world of his own. He had poor verbal skills, and had great difficulty interacting with peers. forget group activities with him, just too much for him. yet, off in the distance, he picked up what we were teaching in class, sometimes he would express what he learned through different art projects he came up with. Then I had Shaun. I believe he is actually misdiagnosed, and actually a psychopath. Dangerous and deceitful, yet he actually did not seem to understand he was hurting people. He was very verbal, which is unusual for these kids. Then, Devon. More typical. Appears hyper, difficult time joining groups, poor verbal skills, inappropriate behaviours. And what is more amazing, these kids change year to year. Enjoy the challenges, remember to not stress yourself. Determine if it is 'worth the fight' for some situations. Are there alternatives to the situation ??? Devon did well at group if he got to sit on a fluffy cushion. He wiggled around, but if you asked a question he could answer and fully understand the concepts being taught. No fluffy cushion; he would pick at the other kids, act inappropriately, run away, and just miss the lesson. I hated the cushion idea, but it worked for him and the kids understood that was a need for Devon.

Answer 2

I taught a child with autism as a para educater, he was a sweet boy when he wanted to be but he actually stressed me out to the point of exaustion, he had behaviors and spent most of the day in a classroom just he and I, he ran away, hit and would spit in my face, I quit after 4 months, lucky i lasted that long. between the stress at home and at work I could only deal with one.

not all cases are like mine, I hear they found a lady to work with him that worke out wonderfuly, good luck with this Im sure it will all work out.

I also heard about something called STARRS my school wouldnt even look into it but you should check it out.

Answer 3

My son was tested for autism and was diagnosed at the level just under it as "globally develpmentally delayed"  He was in kindergarden last year, and is repeating it this year.  He is leaving off where the others started at last year.  

He gets very frustreatd and down on himself when he dosn't get his turn right away.  He and his teacher came up with an idea that if he was getting overwhelmed(and he knew when he was gwtting to that point- though it took awhile for that) they made a big box and colored it to look like a house.  They put big pillows on the inside and that was his "relaxing station."  He was able to go there when ever he needed it.

I wish you luck.