What kind of information should a general education teacher get about a student with autism entering class?

Question

Do you think the principal saying. so and so has autism and that's all the info except go look at the IEP if you are so inclined.

Answer 1

Kathi has given some very good information, but I would like to expand a little, aside from an IEP being implemented, and adhered too and should be read by teachers and aides who work with the child.

I would expect the following from the parent/s or guardian;

Child likes and dislikes

Child's communication type, e.g. verbal/non-verbal or sign etc

What works to engage the child

Tips on how to manage behavioural outbursts (what works), which can be as simple as calmly talking to the child, or withdrawing the child from what ever is upsetting them

How to recognize signs of distress, e.g hand flapping or excessive hair twirling, squealing etc (this is vital to prevent behavioural outbursts)

What sensory problems they may have, e.g dislike for high pitched noises, smells etc, it easier when forewarned to avoid these

Is the child tactile defensive (don't like being touched or the feeling of certain objects, clothes etc)

Other things to keep in mind that is very handy when working with autistic children

With Autistic children you should only give simple instructions, such as "Timmy sit here please" and point to where you want him to sit. But do talk to him often, saying his name every time you talk to him.

Be very structured & well planned in lessons and or activities, these children like routine, any unplanned changes can and will make them act out, so if there is going to be a change try to warn them.

Tell him what is going to happen for the morning, "Timmy we are going to do computers now" and then "Timmy is going to have play lunch".

Gaols and aims need to be realistic and achievable.

Let him do things at his pace, pushing will cause frustration.

When trying to get him to finish a game or other activity, then tell him "Timmy, time to finish in 5 minutes" and repeat this every minute, so he knows it time to finish (this worked really well for a very Autistic girl I worked with).

If he becomes upset DON'T yell back at him, talk to him calmly and quietly, remove him from the situation if it is noisy or smelly (yes really strong smells can upset these kids).

I would not be to pleased if the principal said so & so has Autism, give me the information to better support the child, it is unfair on the child, other students and the teacher to give little or no information.

Answer 2

Well, I have a child who has autism.  She's mainstreamed in two subjects this year.  I wrote an "intro to my daughter" letter to her with specific things that have proved to work well in the past, ideas on how to engage my daughter, what to do if.....,  I also included my e-mail and phone number and told her please please please, if you have any questions, concerns, comments, please contact me.  I highly encourage open communication with the teachers, since I am an expert in my daughter.  I'm more than willing to work and brainstorm with the teacher to help my daughter be as successful as she can be.    I also met the teacher face to face before school started to discuss my daughter more in depth.

If  you're a teacher and you're getting a student who has autism, I would highly encourage you contact that students parents for an informal "getting to know you" meeting or phone call.  Encourage open communication, ask questions.  They know their child better than anyone and can provide you with valuable insight.  If you forge a good relationship with the childs parents, it will be something that can last longer than this school year.

Just this week I sent my daughters two previous teachers an e-mail about something my daughter did with her new teacher this year.  I found out at back to school night that she created her own "visual aide" to help with transitions.  She presented it to her teacher proudly "Here, I made i for you, you can use this now."  It's a tool her K-2 and 3-4 teachers used.  I knew they'd love the story because we had close relationships over the years.   They really cared about my daughter and her success.

Edited to add:  Thank you Georgie.  You gave a perfect outline of the intro letter that I write for the new teachers about my daughter.

Answer 3

All of your child's services should be updated yearly in the IEP and you should be directly involved in this process. Do not allow the IEP to go longer than a year without review, it's your right to have it updated yearly to ensure your child is receiving all the services he/she needs. Also you can request to have a conference before school begins between you, the childs teacher and the principal so that you can all be on the same page with his/her educational needs. If you child attends a private school, unfortunately, they do not have to honor the IEP that is set up for the child by his/her home public school. It is up to the school whether or not they will honor it. If your child attends a public school they are required by law to follow it. Perhaps you can explore therapeutic day school options or other schools specifically geared towards children with special needs.

Answer 4

'' look at IEP if you are so inclined'' !!?!

The IEP is a FEDERAL document and it HAS to be followed! No wonder there's so much corruption of special ed in public schools!

SHEESH

Answer 5

The teacher should have a list of accomodations/adaptations. and knowledge of any special communication tools, phrases or triggers that there is a plan for.

And then they need to follow it.

Answer 6

You should be given a copy of all parts of the child's IEP that are relevant to your setting.  The special education teacher who is responsible for writing the IEP should be providing you with a copy of the IEP as well as consulting with you on what you will need to do to meet this child's needs.

Answer 7

teh principal wouldn't have teh best info--he most likely only saw teh IEP (if he read it)

you definately need to see the IEP

and you shoudl talk to tehchild study team and parent as well as any previous teacher