[Teachldsseminary] REQUEST: Disability

[Kathleen West]

I have had some experience working with autistic children in a primary 
setting. It is true that their behavior varies considerably depending on the 
degree of autism. I would, however, strongly suggest that you not be alone 
in the classroom. It was always helpful to have another adult that could 
remove the child and work one on one in the event that something (which 
could be certain colors or loud music--or just music) would be irritating to 
them.

Kathleen West
Madison, Wisconsin
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob & Becky Clinton" <clintonr at greennet.de>
To: "Free Email list for LDS Seminary Teachers" 
<teachldsseminary at latter-dayvillage.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 8:41 AM
Subject: Re: [Teachldsseminary] REQUEST: Disability


> I'm glad you asked this question.  I will also have a new student with 
> autism this year in my class and so am also seeking any an all advice.  I 
> haven't met the student or the parents yet so I'm not sure to what degree 
> he is affected.  In anticipation of the circumstance I inquired of a 
> friend who deals with special needs children and he gave me the following 
> very basic information:
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Autism is a very complex developmental disorder.  Unlike Down Syndrome, 
> people with autism usually looked normal.  It's called a spectrum 
> disorder, because individuals with autism can be anywhere on the 
> spectrum-from a mild form of Aspergers or Syndrome to severe profound 
> autism-where they're unable to speak.  It just depends on the person. 
> Some individuals with severe profound autism can be violent.  Headbutting, 
> biting, hitting, are not uncommon for people with severe autism, but not 
> for everyone with Autism.  Some younger children with autism are also 
> runners.  If you're working with a child with autism you would definitely 
> want to make sure you ask if he is a runner and if he has violent 
> tendencies.
>
> Autism affects three major areas:
> 1. Difficulties with Communication
> 2. Difficulties with Socialization (socialization skills that most people 
> take for granted are very difficult for most autistic people)
> 3. Problems with Sensory Integration (see, smell, hear, taste, touch) some 
> autistic people are hypersensitive in some of these areas.  Once again, it 
> just depends on where they're at on the spectrum and how they're affected 
> in each of these areas.
>
> If you're teaching an autistic child, keep one thing in mind:
>
> Less talking and more colorful pictures are the best teaching strategies. 
> Hands-on activities are also good vs. worksheets and a lot of writing-no 
> good.  Find out if the child can write and read.  Depending on where he is 
> on the spectrum, you might need to teach one-on-one, or find somebody to 
> work with him. Let me know, and I'll be glad to help you with some 
> teaching strategies for this child.
>
> Find out what reading and math level he's at. Also find out if he's 
> hypersensitive to anything, because if he is, no need to incorporate some 
> sensory integration techniques.
>
> The best resources are probably on the Web.  Autism society of America is 
> good.  Council for exceptional children is good (CEC).
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I hope this helps
>
> Becky Clinton, EMS
> Kaiserslautern Military Stake
> Germany
>  ----- Original Message ----- 
>  From: rfamilyz4evr at surfbest.net
>  To: teachldsseminary at latter-dayvillage.com
>  Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 3:29 PM
>  Subject: [Teachldsseminary] REQUEST: Disability
>
>
>  I have been contacted that I will
>  have a young man in my class this
>  year who has autism.  Though I am
>  a teacher by profession, I don't
>  work with disabled children.
>  Does anyone have any ideas on how
>  to reach this student?  I want him
>  to have the best experience in
>  seminary.  His mother told me that
>  his last year, he just slept most
>  of the time and when he was awake
>  there were occasions in which he
>  would be angry and shout out bad
>  things.
>  If any of you experienced teachers
>  could share some light, I would
>  greatly appreciate it.
>  Thank you!
>  Sherri EMS-TEXAS
>
>
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