What do you think about inclusion practices for autistic students in elementary schools?

Question

What do you think about inclusion practices for autistic students in elementary schools?

Answer 1

Given the Autism Spectrum, that's a rather broad question.  However, it is my opinion that, unless they can keep up with the other students, (with a Teacher Assistant's support) they would be better served in a more restrictive envionment.

They would likely also need accommodations, written into the IEP, for any of these: Extended Time, Write on Test Booklet Test in Separate Room, Read Aloud, Modified Assignments, Preferential Seating, Computer/Typewriter/Word Processor/, Demonstration Teaching, Study Guides, Multiple Test Sessions, One Test UItem Per Page, etc.  

If any of these items above are marked on the IEP & signed by every member of the IEP Team, & legally documented, the regular class teacher has the legal obligation to implement such items marked on a rountine (i.e. at least weekly).  If the teacher does not implement the accommodations, the law has been violated.  Therefore, a lawsuit would result.  He/She

could be reported by the parent to The Office of Civil  Rights via their complaint form, charging the teacher with discrimination.  This results in the entire school district being under investigation,  If discrimination is determined as fact by the OCR, any Federal Funds (or a portion of them) given to the public school by the Federal Government can be taken from them.

Further, research has indicated that if IEP accommodations are not routinely implemented for the duration of the school year, they are more of a detriment than a help when taking the EOG.  This is due to the, rather obvious, fact that the student isn't accustomed to using them.

Answer 2

It's appropirate for some that don't need the full structure of a special needs class.

Answer 3

They are OK, depending on the student, the teacher, the aide (if provided), and the class. All of these variables make a difference, so no generalizations can be made!

Answer 4

I have a son who is autistic and is included in his regular 2nd grade classroom 40% of the time and in the autistic support classroom 60% of the time.  My son is one of the most well behaved children in his 2nd grade classes.  Whenever the teachers expect something to go amiss, they say my son is the only one who has an excuse, yet my son is the best behaved and follows ALL of the rules.  For his learning abilities it is important that he receive the education for his level of learning and his particular way of learning.

What people tend to forget or choose to ignore is that the children with autism are a part of our society and world and have every right to be included in EVERY part of our daily living.  I think there should certainly be provisions for inclusion.  My son is included in morning math meeting, recess, lunch, story time, specials and any parties and arts.  His instruction for other things is in the autistic support classroom.  Because of his inclusion since day one, his classmates are very accepting of him and do not see him as being "different".  He is invited to parties and play dates and it is important for his growth and development to be a part of his peers lives, and it is important for his peers to be a part of his life - it teaches patience, love and acceptance - things that are too often forgotten in todays society.

Answer 5

I think you have to look at it on a case by case basis.  The teachers, administrators, and parents need to decide what's right for each student in each school.  This is, in fact, is how Special Ed is supposed to work.  We often lose sight of individualized instruction because we have to make polices that are "fair for all", which ends up translating to "not ideal for most".

Answer 6

even i do not know alot about austic children, and given the opportunity ill one day learn about; but from my perspective the children would learn alot through iep's and inclusive education.

norman

Answer 7

It just depends on the severity of the disability.  I have seen some highly functional who benefit greatly and interact with their peers, and some quite severe who could not handle the noise and constant transition let alone receive any educational benefits.

I had one high school student who went to his inclusion classes with a full-time aide who helped him stay on task, and he did remarkably well.  Every child is different which is why we have individual education plans and make decisions regarding least restrictive environment.

Answer 8

My son has autism and has been in 'regular' classes all along. He's in grade five now.  As he gets older he may need to be in a smaller group setting, but so far he's doing ok with the supports he is getting, along with the IEP modifications.  I think it it best for him, socially, to be in a regular class.  If his education seems to be suffering, then we will consider other options.