going to be working with autistic kids what should i expect?

Question

im going to be working at a school for autistic kids what exacly should i expect or prepare myself for?

Answer 1

I was little "culture shocked" at first and I know that must sound strange, but some kids I worked with are non-verbal, meaning they don't speak, EVER! That was one surprising thing. But this same kid I'm thinking of was 16 and he taught me some incredible things. He also had a clever sense of humor to those who paid attention.

If you're working in the public schools, you won't see these types of kids because the public schools have nothing to offer them. Basically the public schools are ill-equiped and can hardly afford to dedicate a one on one aid for these kids. The kids you see in inclusive classroom settings (they are in the same class as normal kids) are just slower at learning. They share similar charateristics as these other highly autustic non verbal kids. They may be labeled with Asbergers, which is a mild form of autism.

Now I'm rereeading your question and it seems you will be working in an environment for just autistic. Now I have more information for you,

Working in an autisitic school environment means that you'll be working in a special education environment. This means you will see more than just autistic kids, but mental retardation as well. I worked a year in as classroom with these students. There were 4 teachers and 11 kids, thats how much attention they needed. I won't lie, some kids were violent and needed a watchful eye st all times. Some autistic kids require little to no attention while others require attention at all times. I had one student that when he panicked he ran out of the school and into the busy street and we really had to go right after him. After a year I was a very tired and a bit paranoid, running after doors, ie. I'm glad I took the opportunity to see this side of life and and make a small change. I recommend it. Please ask a lot of questions to your supervisors. They probably have some good stories to tell you too.

Some autisitic kids are very emotionaly charged, so we didn't push them to work too far, even though it was an academic environment. We incorporated vocational activities as much as possible, folding clothes, mopping floors, cleaning dishes as much as possible. You and I and the whole world may have gone through a academic system that focuses 98 percent on paperwork and writing, but nobody said that was the right way!
Good luck and have fun!!!

Answer 2

I had a student at Stepping Stone Nursery that was 8 and autistic. I made sure that he took his medicine on time. I had to be more careful watching over him somewhat more than the other non-autistic children. Overall he was not a problem at all. Expect them to repeat phrases or words at times that may have occured hours or days before. They can be very smart at isolated subject matter.

Answer 3

My sister works with autisic kids (in their homes) so there are some things I can share with you.

There are many levels and types of autism. It's best not to just clump the kids into a group called "Autistic" because they are each unique individuals and need to be treated as such.

Some of the parents are very involved and work to communicate with their kids and help them to learn in every way possible. Other parents are barely coping - and will think of you as a baby sitter - and just be happy they can have some time off.

Some autistic kids tend to physically hurt their teachers. The last time I saw my sister, she had black and blue marks all over one of her arms where one of the kids had pinched her. Also there was a child who jumped on her and hurt her back.

It is VERY rewarding work. Progress goes slow, but my sister calls me with celebration stories to share and she absolutely LOVES her work. It takes a special kind of person (which she is) to do this type of work. Hope that you will love it as much as she does!

Answer 4

how autistic?

the more severe the autism the more you have to be prepared for...some autistics are non commmunicative and use a lot of hand signals, pointing or grunting...some develop their own language...some are very violent because they have trouble negotiating the world around them and feel threatened by the sounds and sights they don't understand/comprehend...some are very nice kids who just seem a little weird...this is most common with Arsparger's Syndrome...they only eat yellow foods or only wear black socks...little things that they are in control of that are a very big deal to them...they generally like routine and consistency, especially in the people around them, it may take them a while to warm up to someone, but will connect and bond with them quickly...speak in low even tones, try to be on eye level with them, do not use big sweeping motions or dart around, many of them have perception problems and often have trouble interpreting signals from other people...be patient and follow the lead of those around you who have more experience...it will be challenging but also veryt rewarding...good luck...