Teacher of Autistic Kids?

Question

I am considering a career change. Currently, I am a certified elementary teacher. I have learned of a school that offers much better benefits, pay, etc. It is a school for autistic kids. I could start as a teacher's assistant, they would pay for me to get special ed certified, then I could become a head teacher. In college, my desire was to work with Autistic children, however, my parents talked me into regular Elementary Ed. Can anyone offer me any advice..pros and cons...of this change? Thank you so much!

Answer 1

I work with Autistic kids in the after school care setting. I find it very rewarding. The child I've been working with the whole school year likes social interaction with "typical peers" now. He actually prefers to be around kids close to his age. I'm going to school myself for special ed. Also, in the midst I'm attending the workshops and getting CEU credits for Autism.



The only thing I would give you the heads up on the I've read about is when the start going through puberty they can have their lash out moments. Even the kids that are gentle can start to get aggressive at certain ages. I'm dealing with a 10 year old boy right now. He has always been very gentle now he is getting aggressive.

Answer 2

Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Before you choose to change I would first observe in several autism classes. There are many levels of autism, from aspbugers the highest level to the profound, the lowest.

I work with profoundly autistic teenagers at a high school. # of our students can speak. the other 5 are non-verbal. It can be a challenge to work with. Some of my students have violent behaviors, like biting themselves or others, hitting, slapping, and throwing desk. You also have to deal with parents in denial, parents that want EVERYTHING, to parents that do not know how to navigate the special education system.

I enjoy working with my students. Sometime it is frustrating but over all it is a good job.

Answer 3

If that was your dream in college I'm guessing you know a bit about Autism.

If its what you want to do then go for it. The fact that you get to start off as an assistant sounds good as you will get to know the workings of the school and the students before you actually start teaching them.

disadvantages to that is that for the time while you are working as an assistand and getting your certification you may have to adjust to getting less money and also you would probably be working a bit harder than you are used to as certification will probably require extra study.

Answer 4

I think it will be more rewarding helping autistic kids achieve their goals because it might be a little harder than for the avarage kid.

I cant see why your parents talked you into other plans but I think

you regret that decision and you should really take your shot,

or you might still regret it forever. If it's not working out you can always switch back.