Realizations

Recently I was asked to write a diversity paper for my Learning Communities class. I decided that I would write my paper on Autism Spectrum Disorder because there are more and more cases arising and I would like to be better informed on what exactly this disorder entails and how, exactly, to handle it as a teacher. Once I started the process of researching the disorder I quickly found out that there are several different forms of autism and also a spectrum for how severe the disorder is. I learned today that if the child is on the higher end of the spectrum than they are able to function more "normally" and rely less on help from outside sources. I also found out that there is no "cure" for autism, only therapy. Every child with the disorder is going to be different from the next and many will require different types of treatment for the disorder.

As a teacher I've learned that the best way to handle a child with autism is to get together with the parents, principal, counselor, etc. and decide what the best plan of action is for that particular individual. Usually, a student with the disorder will be put on an I.E.P. (or individualized education plan) and this plan will help get the child both the education and the treatment that they need in order to succeed.

I've been very lucky to have had a chance to work with a boy in the 2nd grade who has aspergers syndrome, a form of autism. I look forward to working with him every single week because he is one of the brightest and most courteous little boys I have had the pleasure of working with. This little boy goes beyond the barriers of his disorder by having many friends at school, maintaining solid grades, and also having few eruptions in the classroom. I can't imagine an adult who would not want to work with this child but, unfortunately, there are some staff members who simply cannot handle his behavior. This is why he has an I.A. (instructional aide) with him at all times throughout the day. Sometimes when the aide needs to take her lunch break I will watch over the boy, just to make sure he focuses on his work and isn't distracted by the other students. I have never had a problem with him that we could not solve together.

Overall, I guess I am thankful for having this child in my class because he allows me to understand the disorder better and he also allows me to better understand him. I look forward to working with him every week and I would never think less of him for his disorder. I only hope that every other teacher feels the same way about him.