I need help working with an autistic child in my kindergarten class?

Question

There are 28 other students in this class and I want to provide the best suppport for this student but I have no experience with autism. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

Answer 1

The first thing you should do is express your concerns to the administration of your school. They might be able to find you resources close to home or perhaps provide an in-service at some point for the teachers and staff who will be dealing with this student. Does your school or district have a special education teacher you could consult for immediate suggestions? Does this child have a one-on-one aide? In a class that large I would hope that the parents would demand that an aide be provided in the IEP. Autistic students vary widely in terms of how well they function in school, so it's difficult to give tips without more specifics on the student's situation. Does the student have speech delays? Can he/she interact appropriately with other students? Is he/she especially sensitive to noise or touch? Definitely sit down and talk with the parents to find out what strategies they're already using.

I've included a few links with general suggestions for dealing with students with autism. The last one is especially interesting as it was written by a woman with autism. She has written several fascinating books about her experiences.

Good luck and I hope your school district will support you in this.

Answer 2

I've taught 4 autistic children in my 7 years teaching, MOST of whom have WONDERFUL parents. My advice is to read up on the basics, then ASK, ASK, ASK. If you are an advocate for this child (which I think you are, or you wouldn't be asking this question), the parents will see and respect that. They will help you understand the "glitches" that sometimes come along with autism. Also, create a relationship with the child's special ed teacher. THEY can give you helpful classroom hints AND provide back up if the child has any pull-out services at all. Last but not least, even though autistic students may show emotion "differently," they KNOW when you truly care about them, and YOU know they feel it back.

Congratulations on this wonderful opportunity you're about to embark on. It will give you a lifetime of precious memories--I know my four kids have done that for me!

Answer 3

The child SHOULD have a classroom aide assigned -- but the best way to reach this child is to ensure that when you see them drift off or start to have the typical motions that autistics do -- call their name, walk around, tap the desk in front of the child, get a re-focusing question ready, and MOVE AROUND -- yes, MOVE AROUND -- as long as you do this movement throughout the classroom with ALL the students, you will be BETTER ABLE to integrate the Autistic Child (and I am assuming the child has Asperger's Syndrome like my own did) into the regular classroom. Remember, they respond best to VISUAL CUES -- So use a LOT of color and sight-based learning.

Answer 4

It would be helpful if you had an aide assigned that student. They really cannot join into the classroom activities in the same way as the other students and even may need to spend time working with an aide on the side alot of the time. It's totally possible to make it work okay for everyone.

Answer 5

I suggest u do your home work. Read up on autism, use the computer and look it up ...My nephew has autism and he is the most intelligent kid i know ...He won an adult chili cook off. You just have to be patient and in our schools here in Mo. They offer a student aid to assist the teacher so the teacher can give the students more attention. But you have to read up on autism. I did and it helped me understand what my Nephew was going through. Hang in there. I know it is hard for you. But God love you for your effort to wanting to help your students and be supportive.
There are many sites for autism. Just surf and read. Don't hesitate to ask for an aid to help you.
God Bless you and Good Luck!

Answer 6

first of all let me educate some people who are answering. AUTISTIC kids have the right to be in regular schools, PERIOD. Does he have a therapist he sees that can come into the classroom and help him ?

Ask his mother about what and how to help you. My 2.5 yr old started regular pre school. We sat with both teachers and the director and told them IF you dont think you can handle this, tell us now. We provided them with a list of things he might have problems with, like transitioning from playground to inside or staying in line while going somewhere or he might not like to be involved with the other kids.
My son has only had 2 things that they had to ask me about other than that hes doing great!
Most children who are high functioning do well in schools but will still have issues. My son doesnt like finger paint, he doesnt like the sensory it gives him, my son perfers weighted objects to push around
Email me with more specifics and I can send you a bunch of info

Answer 7

Autism is very hard to break thru. They are in their own pre-planned world, and sometimes you are not invited. My autistic kids like "goop". Because it is very "sensory". There are alot of recipes for it on the web. Just get a pan and let them play in cool water with funnels and sieves! They love "touch". How about some sand? Put colorful clay in the fridge! (Not freezer!) Good luck...

Answer 8

I do not mean to offer a simple answer to a complex problem, but I have seen that Music Therapists and Art Therapists have the best impression on Autistic kids. You can make it happen.

Answer 9

how do you hve time for one on one with 28 others in the class

Answer 10

A couple of sites that might help