I'm a new teacher for dealing with student mainly in Autism and severe mentally handicapped. Student mostly can't concentrated or follow the instruction in class, any case studies for reference are greatful.
2007-01-06 01:44:57 · 6 answers · asked by bycli 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
Without knowing your student, I cannot completely answer your questions. However, the following resources have been very helpful to me, and may help you develop a plan for your student.
Also, you may want to contact your school's special education teachers to see if they have any suggestions. Also, review his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP) for instructional modifications that have been recommended for this student.
Best of luck to you!
Websites:
"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-autism,0,6196233.story
Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html
Positively Autism (free online magazine, includes free lessons/activities) - http://www.positivelyautism.com
Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html
Books:
"Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome" by Jerry Newport
"You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students With Autism in the Inclusive Classroom" By Paula Kluth
"Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism" By Paul Collins
Any book by Temple Grandin
2007-01-06 12:45:08 · answer #1 · answered by special-education-teacher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The children need structure all the time. From the time they wake until they go to sleep. Establish a routine. Repetition is necessary in order for children with disabilities to learn. Communication is also necessary. Use velcro schedules so that the child can see what is going on now and what is done. Use time outs. Children with autism are master manipulators. They will throw fits because they don't want to do something. Most people give up and let the child win. Time outs are 1 minute for each year developmentally. For example, the 6 year old who is developmentally 2 would get 2 minutes. Tell them why they are in time out, walk away, when its over come back and tell them why they were in. Also have a visual timer so they can watch the time. Let them know you are the boss.
2007-01-06 20:34:33 · answer #2 · answered by redwidow 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's important to use visuals. Kids with Autism and severe MR tend to be nonverbal, so giving them visuals will help facilitate communication.
Remember, behavior is communication!
Use a visual schedule and FOLLOW IT. Set rules and follow through. When I taught a class like the one you describe, I decided that there were particular behaviors that were "zero tolerance", like hitting, biting, spitting, and pinching. These were behaviors that could endanger someone. I had a designated timeout area with a timer. I dramatically reduced aggressive behavior in my classroom.
On the other hand, and probably more importantly, you have to make your instruction appropriate, exciting, and important. I've taught kids at all levels of ability and I found it most difficult to plan for my class like yours. If you set a schedule and follow it, and make your instruction meaningful to the kids, things will go much more smoothly.
If you don't already have access to the program "Boardmaker" see if you can get it. It will allow you to make all the visuals for your room. Also, look into the TEACHH method. It will help you structure your classroom.
2007-01-06 12:10:57 · answer #3 · answered by Dawn S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reinforcing good behavior within 30 seconds of occurence is, from what I have read, the most effective way. It needs to be a fairly frequent reinforcement schedule with small reinforcers so that the student doesn't satiate.
I don't have a link for you, but Lovaas did a lot of work studying behavioral principles on children with Autism.
Also, you might request a behavior specialist to come into your classroom and give you suggestions.
Good Luck!
2007-01-06 10:04:39 · answer #4 · answered by aprilrain_47 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That really depends on how functional each child is, what their reward systems are set up like, how their IEP's are written, and what you are trying to teach. You definitely need assistance in the forms of paraprofessionals, a psychologist and behavior analyst.
What school did your learn about autism from? Which system are you comfortable with? ABA, floortime, TEEACH? How old are the children?
2007-01-06 12:53:47 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact community mental health. they offer all kinds of trainings and information.
2007-01-08 22:51:39 · answer #6 · answered by nakita 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋