Can You Share Your Story? Autism Awareness in the Classroom...

I remember when I was in second grades my best friend was an autistic kid named James. I never really was taught about what made him different, specifically. I had just moved into the area, and I was somewhat socially awkward myself. My parents had gone through a divorce a couple years before, I never saw my mom any more, and we moved to a different city. On top of that, my dad was struggling to support his 4 kids, along with his new wife and her 2 kids on his income alone... money was tight so I had to wear older hand me downs... and I was painfully shy. I had been bullied and teased at my old school, so I was also scared of the same thing happening at the new one. James was the only kid who would play with me without making me feel bad, or tease me about my family. and as I spent time with him and adjusted to his quirks we became true friends. It is easy to understand and accept the person, once you understand the differences. :)

The same school, the next year, actually implemented a program to lower the barriers between the special Ed classes and the rest of the school. They allowed students to sign up to spend one or two recesses a week in the special Ed room and ply with the students there. The teachers would give the volunteers a card explaining what was different about the student they would be with that day, along with a list of appropriate games that could be played with them. Within a month, the kids went from avoiding and ignoring the special Ed students to going out of their way to include them.

Education makes all the difference. :)

Hi P.,

I think reaching out to one's classroom community is a great thing to do. I recently observed a family who has not been open about their son's autism spectrum diagnosis and it's been sad to see how so many parents misinterpret that child's actions and how the other kids seemed to know that it was so easy to get him into trouble by goading the child, which then turned into some unfortunate interactions. Parents are often afraid of their child being regarded with a label, however, there are certainly disadvantages to not informing others of why their child does what they do.

Good for you. :)

I don't have any personal experience, other than friends with kids on the spectrum.

I remember your prior question about this and wanted to commend you again for being open and taking the innitiative with this. Knowledge is power.

I think i would start with the classsroom teacher and the guidance councleor and see what ideas they have.

also a few short sessions spread out would prob be better than one hour long lecture on why kiddo doesn't look at their eyes.

I have a friend who did this for, I think the 5th grade. Except she has a child with CP. She had volunteered regularly so the teachers all welcomed her to do some awareness teaching. She had brain "activities" and games. Showing what's typical and what happens when your brain is not typical. All of us are atypical in some way. She talked about everybody learning in different ways. I wasn't there but she said it went well. Her son's whole class has been supportive many years now. He was in HS this last yr and classmates from yrs before still come by and high five him. He won 1st place in our Texas State Special Olympics in pitching.
Good luck!