Need help with mentally disabled...?

Question

I recently got a job working with mentally disabled kids (whether it be down syndrome, aspergers, autism, etc) and I am extremely nervous because there's no training! Is there anyone that may be able to give some advice as to certain ways of dealing w/some of the mental disorders and traits I should look for or tools/tips I could use to help me my first few days? Maybe also how to keep them entertained, how to communicate/speak with them depending on the disorder?

I am a psychology major yet my classes have only briefly touched on some of the disorders. I undertand Autistic kids don't like change (prefer consistancy) and have difficulty connecting w/others. Down Syndrome I know (depending if they're high functioning) have certain physical characteristics and are usually able to work and function at school...PLEASE ANY advice would help!

Answer 1

I would read a few books to help you understand what you are getting into. These include, Thinking in Pictures, by Temple Grandin to assist your understanding of children with autism. Consider looking into the following website for a better understanding of hwo behavior works for everybody, http://www.behaviormachine.com/behavior_... And read some of Jed Scott's books on social skills training, one in particular that is good is called "Social Skills Training."

All of your students will have social skills deficits because that is what they miss by either being autistic or being unobservant.

The other issue will be communication. Children frequently misbehave because they don't know how to get their needs met.

Finally, most children with autism and mental retardation use their visual channel much more than their auditory channels, so providing visual schedules, prompts and cues will help. Many children with MR have severe memory deficits, so having a picture to remind them works wonders.

I suggest you go to the website Do2Learn to understand what I mean.

Thank you for being so interested in asking. Also, there will be a person supervising you who will help guide you.

Answer 2

It is important to remember that each child is different.  Just because two children are both autistic, does not mean they will respond in the same way.  Some like one thing, others like something different.  It is a trial and error when working with children that have learning, emotional or behavioral issues.  What works one time may not work the next.

Take your time getting to know each child and realize they are all different.  Negative reinforcement is NOT an option.  Try to redirect a child when he/she is not acting appropriately.  Try to always use a positive and tell them what you want them to do, not what they can't do.

Answer 3

As you work with them, you will find that they are actually very great kids. Just learn to look past the "disorder" or whatever is wrong with them and treat them as a person.  I think that is what they really want is to fit in.  With an autistic kid, try to find that one thing that they are good at and practice that and also help with the development of the other things that they struggle with. Most importantly, dont lose your temper or anything and try to relax and have a good time with it.  It is a wonderful experience.

Answer 4

Well people with Aspergers have an IQ that's at least in the average range so you shouldn't call them mentally disabled or call it a mental illness because they may be offended.

Answer 5

You are asking good questions.  If you are being asked to care for kids with disabilities, and you have not gotten any training, the expectations of the job have to be pretty low, so the first thing to remember is that nobody is going to expect you to know a lot about stuff you know nothing about.

That being said... Okay. I started out thinking that if someone would just give me the secret tools and techniques, I would do much better, and I have to say that, aside from learning on your own, there really are not a lot of special techniques.

I have a couple of rules that have served me well.

Treat these people as you would want to be treated. Remember that every one of them is somebody's baby. They may also be somebody's brother or sister. Remembering this will prompt you to treat them as the people they are. They are first just people who have some limitations.

As you get to know them, you'll find that certain folks have certain preferences. Try, as much as possible, to cater to those preferences. So far as you can, try to be the one who helps them get something they really want. Only, never lie to them and say you will do something unless you are certain that you can. When you say, I will check this out, be certain that you do, and let the person know what the results are, even if the answer is NO. Don't assume they will just forget about things over time. The usual behavior is that they just won't ask you again because they assume the answer is no, and they don't want to hear it.

People with cognitive limitations are astoundingly sharp at picking up on emotional cues. Be honest with them about your emotions if the matter comes up (you need to be self-aware in this area, which is not always a given for mental health practitioners).

Do not assume you know what anyone can or cannot do; allow them to demonstrate this to you.

Keep an open mind; be flexible. Don't rule stuff out; be ready for anything. Yes, you'll find folks who appear not to have any discernible cognitive limitations, and you may be the only one who perceives this. Ask lots of questions. Ask for assistance from anyone who will talk to you. If you can get into a relationship with a worker who has been there a while, you can get a huge assist from their experience, so long as you remember that they also may be sometimes mistaken.

Most of the people will, if you listen and let them, tell you what they need most. Do not be afraid of some physical contact. In the worst case scenario, you can shower when you get home, but what these folks have is not catching. They very possibly are starved for affection, however.

Stay loose. If you make a mistake, it only means you're trying. Don't stop trying.

Answer 6

autism do's and donts

dont touch them unless you ask

dont  break up regular routines

dont make sudden movements

dont raise your voice

do comfort them by gently rubbing their backs if they will allow it

do what they do. If they are upset and want to rock back and forth then you do the same

do speak in even tones and dont use slang

there's more to that. I have this at work I just cant remembber all of it. I work in a home. I am the only guy there, because most men do not have the patience for this type of work.

I am shocked that there is no training. I had to go to classes

get cpr qualified and got some medical training.

about your residents or whatever you guys call them.

they will try you, they will push buttons on you to see what they can get by with. Believe me I know.  JUST dont take it personally, especially if they get mad at you. Really? No training? Geez, they even taught me how to safely restrain if necessary.(so far it hasnt been)

Our first three priorities are:

1. Protect them from harm

2. treat them with dignity and respect

3. Provide active habilitation

I would bet wherever you are  there are a lot of problems due to no training. God I just cant get over that.

Just go slow and be gentle. and be  alert.

I work with one that is bi-polar and it is like a light switch.

one minute everything's fine and the next minute we have a resident screaming or attacking another resident.

anyway thats a little sample.Talk with your supervisor and find out why ther is no training because this just invites potential disaster. good luck.

oh and find out all you can about your kids- who likes what

what they like on tv, what they enjoy doing but especially find out who is likely to have siezures(I am deadly serious) and if possible seee what medications they may be on. I have to pass medicine where I work-you may not have to.

Answer 7

I would contact the district Special Education Resource Center in your area.  In Ohio they are called region resource areas.  There are lots of good sites on the web as...just search...

Your best bet however, would be to contact the above mentioned place in your aread or the MRDD office.  I hope this helps!  Good luck!

Answer 8

I don't have much advice but i Know negative reinforcement isn't usually the way to go with these kids. Ignore undesired behaviors unless they're dangerous and reinforce positive ones.