[Teachldsseminary] REQUEST: Disability

[SJMS0416@aol.com]

I taught a young man with Down's Syndrome in seminary one year and it was  
awesome!  (He was the only student I ever had that asked his mom if I could  
sleep over at his house! :0)  But that is very different from autism.   I have 
two nephews with autism, one more severe than the other.  I would  echo the 
previous point of view that there be someone else with you in the  classroom, 
assigned specifically to this student, as behavior can be extremely  
unpredictable.  My one nephew (the higher functioning one) likes to draw,  and will draw 
exceptionally detailed pictures about whatever you ask him  to.  It's a way of 
expressing himself that he can't adequately do in  words.  If your student has 
some outlet like this that he enjoys, provide  him with the opportunity to use 
it every day, as often as he needs or wants  it.
My other nephew always wants to have something in his mouth...ice, food,  
certain other items or toys, etc.  It helps to calm and control his  behavior.  
It might be helpful to find out if there is anything that works  to calm your 
student, and be ready to use it.  Also, be aware that if an  autistic student 
needs to get up and move, they need to get up and move  NOW.  (One of the good 
reasons for having an adult helper.)  They may  not comprehend basic safety 
rules (street danger, etc.) and they may not  comprehend that certain behaviors 
can hurt others, especially when they are  frustrated.
Talk to the parents and pray, pray, pray.  This young man is a child  of God, 
and his spirit has no disabilities.  I hope this helps.  Sandy  in 
Titusville, FL