autism/pdd...my son is 5 and i still struggle with explanations when other kids find him different. I guess its bcos i long for him to fit in so much!
2006-09-20 10:15:03 · 7 answers · asked by pete76 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
Oh, wow, girl.. I understand.. I have 5 y/o twins with High Functioning Autism... I know that there are books out there for children about autism... Keisha's Doors and Taco's anyone? are 2 books.. I usually use a really simple answer... Tyler and Dylan think differently than you... They have autism.. but they are just like you and want to be your friend... and if you are patient with them, you will learn what they are trying to say to you.... Children only ask these questions because they dont understand... Knowledge is Power and a Positive answer is the Key to understanding... good luck!!
2006-09-21 17:13:08 · answer #1 · answered by april 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried picture books? Here's a good one over at Amazon.com
My Friend with Autism: A Coloring Book for Peers and Siblings (Paperback)
There are other, simple stories which talk about children with autism and their special needs. Some are tailored to siblings and some are for classroom use.
Try not to have too aplogetic a tone in your voice as if there is something "wrong" with your son. Your son is who he is and although he does have special, challenging needs, he is a person in his own right. Some people limp, some people have brown hair, some people use wheelchairs, some people are short and some people have autism.
Also, simple, short explanations work the best. "Jake has autism and he has trouble with some things." Then, ask the other person to be a helper. Give them something specific to do. "When he starts rocking back and forth, it means he needs room. Can you move away from him?" (Of course, you'll have to tailor it to your specific child's needs.)
Remember to point out what your child does well.
You might also try looking for a family support group in your area. Sometimes they might have social functions and it's nice to be around other people where you don't have to constantly explain about your child. They'll already know and be loving and accepting.
Edited to add: I took from the wording of the note, that the child exhibits behavior which does call attention to the child-probably stemming. This is a young child and of course his classmates are going to notice both that he is acting different and that he is treated differently. For that reason, demystification may be necessary. If the child were a teenager the answer to the question would be different. The answer "he's just having a bad day" is simplistic and dismissive to the other members of his learning community.
I wasn't suggesting that she write the word "autistic" on her son's forehead in black permanent ink. You CAN explain what's going on in a non-pejorative way that preserves respect and dignity of the individual with disability.
2006-09-20 18:34:00 · answer #2 · answered by meridocbrandybuck 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your son doesn't exhibit any of the more "autistic" behaviors (twilring, unexpected vocalization, self stim, etc.) then there is no need to draw attention to the diagnosis. If he has a dedicated aide, only spends part of the day in the class or has behavioral issues that can affect the class in general, than any questions that come up should be addressed then, with simple answers like " Kenny has a hard time sitting still." or "Kenny gets extra help from Ms. Aide when he needs it." At five, most kids will accept basic answers, if they have any questions at all. My son was integrated for K and part of 1st and those children were by far the most welcoming and accepting of any I have known!
The only time I "explain" why my son is different is when a new person comes to our house for the first time, especially if it is a friend of my daughter's. This is more to let them know what they may encounter and why it is the norm in our house!
2006-09-20 22:00:01 · answer #3 · answered by Annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been working in the developmental field for 13 years and am still stunned by the answers that are being given or that people still refer to children with disabilities as "special" We are all people and every one can make a contribution to their community, volunteer, enjoy time with family and friends, get an education, work, learn and so forth.
Make sure that you let the teacher know that your child should be treated as everyone else. Teaching him that he is "special" will only hinder his progress or most importantly it HINDERS every one else in society to think that you child can't be the same as you or I.
I wouldn't want my whole class to know that I have "autsim" but rather know my name and what I like and so forth. Teaching kids that allows them to lable people and not know them for who they are. As a mom this is your time to speak up for you son until he can do this on his own. Just ask for your son to be treated like anyone else and if he is having a bad day at school then all the teacher needs to do is let the other kids know that so -and- so was having a bad day and leave it at that. Also the teacher needs to focus on the things that the student loves to do and allow the other children to wittness that so they don't look at the child as an outcast cause they are not.
If you realy want to get involved contact you state for the next Partner's in Policy workshops that go on, they will change your life and the life of your son forever!!
2006-09-20 19:33:06 · answer #4 · answered by girl6 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most kids will figure it out on their own. If you feel it would benefit him in school, ask the teacher to have a discussion with the children when your child is not there. Children at that age can be very accepting of "special" children, sometimes they are a little too helpful and hinder the childs independance.
I have worked as a TA with special needs children and I have yet to see any unaccepting children.
2006-09-20 17:27:48 · answer #5 · answered by snowy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd tailor the explanation to what the child is ready for. With kids his age, I'd talk more about symptoms. Talk about what he doesn't like or has trouble doing. If the kids are older or as they get older, you can explain more about what and why. Little kids are much more likely to accept how he prefers to interact.
2006-09-20 17:29:38 · answer #6 · answered by pag2809 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't go around telling other kids he's autistic. They'll just bully him.
2006-09-20 20:41:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋