Preparing for the School Year
July 25, 2019
from IRCA:
A personal note from
Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism:
"Anticipating the beginning of the school year can create anxiety for both family members and for their sons/daughters on the autism spectrum. Concerns surround whether your son/daughter will be successful in school, and if the new staff will have a solid understanding of autism spectrum disorders and of your son/daughter. In this newsletter is information that we hope will help in this process."
Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism:
"Anticipating the beginning of the school year can create anxiety for both family members and for their sons/daughters on the autism spectrum. Concerns surround whether your son/daughter will be successful in school, and if the new staff will have a solid understanding of autism spectrum disorders and of your son/daughter. In this newsletter is information that we hope will help in this process."
For Parents:
Preparing for the School Year
Preparing for the School Year
Contributed by:
Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D
Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D
Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Anticipating the beginning of the school year can create anxiety for both family members and for their sons/daughters on the autism spectrum. Concerns surround whether your son/daughter will be successful in school, and if the new staff will have a solid understanding of autism spectrum disorders and of your son/daughter. At times, you may know staff and have a good working relationship with them. At other times, staff is unknown and expectations for your son/daughter are unclear. Below are a few tips to help you become a proactive and positive advocate for your son/daughter.
- Many teachers may not have previous experience with students on the autism spectrum or may only have had experience with students quite different from your son/daughter. The IRCA website at http://go.iu.edu/21Jl has several articles that can help educators better understand ASD, including learning characteristics associated with ASD and teaching strategies. Proactively educate. Provide information, but do not overwhelm with too much information. Identify the autism leader in your special education planning district. The list can be found at: http://go.iu.edu/21Jm . Your local special education district autism leader may be able to assist with training and/or support.
- Staff will need information about how ASD affects your son/daughter. Below is a form that you can complete and share with your child’s teachers. This form allows you to provide specific information about learning styles, communication systems, medical issues, behavior supports, and other topics. Make sure that you describe your child, and not only in terms related to their ASD (e.g., sense of humor, kind, gentle, smart). Highlight the positive qualities of your son/daughter. Ask that information be shared with relevant staff, including cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, the school secretary, the school nurse, and administrators. The form is brief so as not to overwhelm staff. Add information as you choose.
Form:
Information About My Son/Daughter on the Autism Spectrum - Request information about bus schedules, parent-teacher organizations, school rules, extracurricular options (e.g., clubs, sports), and available resources (e.g., counselors, social workers, nurses). Find out if there is a school website, Facebook, or some other means to stay connected with your child’s progress or events in the school.
- Before beginning the school year in a new school, work to alleviate any anxieties you or your son/daughter may have about the new setting. Preparation for this move can be facilitated by obtaining a map of the school, a copy of his/her schedule for the fall, a copy of the student handbook and rules, and a list of clubs/extracurricular activities. Ask to take a tour with your son/daughter before the school year begins. Request a list of school supplies, and information about school holidays, locker combinations, and clothes needed for physical education. Practice getting up in the mornings and eating breakfast so the student and you will know how much time it will take him/her. Start to establish a routine early.
The ultimate goal is to promote a successful experience for both your child and for you. By proactively and positively working with the school, challenges can be minimized and trust built.
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