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My 17 year old (senior) daughter is in an English class with an autistic boy. She does SO good with him..but the teacher seems to put a LOT on her. Today, for example, the teacher decided that with this gorgeous weather instead of doing thier work inside, they would take their reading outdoors and walk while they read outloud. I guess this "out of the norm" was HORRIFIC for the boy with autism. Katie said she then spent HER classtime trying to keep up with her own reading, while making sure that Jared kept as calm as possible, too. He was really freaked out at not being in the classroom on the regular schedule. The teacher just ignored him and the whole situation. Katie came in asking me what to do. She doesn't want to complain about being his helper, but she does want to make the teacher acknowledge Jared..and be more receptive to his needs. I told her I would ask for help here.
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She needs to talk with the teacher. The teacher probably thinks she is competent and feels comfortable letting her be this boy's mentor. She needs to let the teacher know that while she likes helping him, and the opportunity to learn about him, she does need to concentrate on her own studies. It is possible that this teacher is trying to be hands off, not trying to interfere and make your daughter feel incapable, OR, yes, the teacher could be just lazy. We don't know from here. Either way, your daughter needs to talk with her. The teacher needs to find alternate things for this boy to do when he is out of his comfort zone - going to the resource room could be an option or doing something he likes within the classroom. My son never likes to just sit and watch TV. If they are watching TV in class, he and others are allowed to do something else - he chooses to draw Bionicle creations on paper. During inside recess, he is allowed to play with old Legos, which he loves.
I hope this answers your question as best it can be answered.
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It sounds like the teacher may need some information on Asbergers and other types of Autism disorders. The law to integrate special needs children in regular classrooms does not require the teachers to be educated or certified to provide services to these kids. I am a nurse who works with special needs children. On a daily basis I see teachers unknowingly make their classroom and the way they teach very stressful for Autistc kids. It's very frustrating to watch them suffer. The only tactful way I have found to address the issue is to consult the teacher who has what used to be called the "Special Ed" class. I have heard it called different names in different schools (Life Skills Class is one of the names) Your daughter can speak to this teacher about her concerns and problems she sees this child having. If this child is diagnosed he most certainly has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) in place therefore concerns and problems such as these can be adressed. Inclusion works only if the needs of all students are met, including the special ones.
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Goin24/7, that was a powerful post. Thank you for that.
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Thanks 24/7 (and of course, you, too, desertmom!). I think Katie has tried to talk to the teacher several times, without getting anywhere. Having her go talk to the Special Ed teacher is not something I have thought of....and should be ashamed since I was a special ed major! LOL I appreciate the help!