Help with an autistic student?

Question

I teach at a kung fu place and one of our students who does private lessons only for some reason won't respond to anything we try as far as games, teaching him the art, or even just talking. He used to talk and we've improved drastically, but in the past week or so he's gone downhill to the point he won't even talk to his mom. Does anyone have a similar experience and/or advice on how to help him?

Answer 1

as a person who is borderline autistic myself, I can tell you that the person was very likely bothered by some small detail about something, like the way you talked to them at some point, that you and most normal people would simply pass over without noticing, but that they have fixated on. it will almost certainly pass with time as the person will rationalize it, but if you can learn what it is you can speed up the process greatly and avoid many possible future situations. then again it may be something completely different

Answer 2

This is definitely a tough situation and as you know has to be handled very delicately. First off, you should feel good that you are helping an autistic student learn a fine art, because it does take time and patience. But I know it can too, be very frustrating. As for talking, there are many forms of communication other than words. Try just using items and creating a symbol or sign for it. (kind of like sign language) Also remember, that a lot of people think that when autistic person cannot talk, that also means that they can't understand, which is untrue. So even if he doesn't reply, continue talking to him and encouraging his improvements.

I hope this helped! good luck!

Answer 3

I commend you and highly respect you for taking on such a tough and challenging role. It takes a very special person to handle the stresses of such instruction, and your search for new avenues to reach this particular student shows you care deeply and are committed to this student.

I would suggest a longer in-depth conversation with the students mother to find out if they have discovered any insights into reaching him. Often there are keys that can unlock some forms of communication occassionally. If you have not already done so, you may also want to seek out local Autism support groups to glean information, tips, and techniques from them that may provide you an insight into your particular student.

All such students will, of course, be as different as all of the other students in your classes. Just as they have good and bad days, so this student will also. If you have worked with his mom, tried all fo the tips and tricks you know of to reach him, then you may just have to persevere for a while and hope that he comes around at some point.

Sorry we probably can't be significantly helpful in this case, but keep up the outstanding work. Your efforts certainly cannot hurt, and they can provide a wonderful outlet for an autistic person.

Good luck

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 4

I have worked with many challenged individuals and also have personal experience with autism and dealing and interacting with an autistic family member on a regular basis. From what I have read over the years there are different levels of autism and how high or low that challenged person is able to function, communicate and interact at. Along with that a lot of times any change in their routine or environment throws them off and they oftentimes shut down or at the opposite end of the scale, lash out emotionally or physically. Their ability or inability to communicate and interact really complicates this situation especially for the lower functioning ones.

I would talk to the parents and check to see if there has been a change in his routine or environment or possibly in his medication since many are on some kind of medication for their illness. At the same time they are in many ways just like real people and it may also be a case of the student just becoming bored. It sounds like you have a student that is higher functioning and I would try to talk with him but they can be very hard to reach and very difficult to work with due to the communication and socialization problems many of them suffer as a result of their illness.

Autism is a relatively new disease that only became known and diagnosed in the past thirty-five years and many communities have nothing in place for people with this illness other than special education programs. Unfortunately those programs are hard pressed to deal with the socialization and communication problems that this disease carries with it. I would also check with the parents to see if your area has a program in place for autism and autistic children and what his involement is-if any and talk to them if they work with him and see what they might recommend. Unfortunately you may be at a dead end and never be able to resolve this problem.

Answer 5

I have one... he's mildly autistic.

Try putting him in with the group class.

I get good response from him this way: I explain what I am teaching in front of the class, then, I explain again, but this time I go to him and take hold of his arms or hands and guide them through the movement. It takes a while for the response but he does it afterwards on his own.

I also will have him looking directly at a few students. I place three of them in a circle with him so he can glimps at them.

If he gets distracted I just go and guide him again.

It's difficult, but if you tell your other students what you need from them to help and support the child, they will gladly help you. Have the students make for a more fun and family like surrounding for him.

About the not talking to his Mom, sometimes you just have to let him. He'll come out of it.

It's a difficult task but very rewarding.

Answer 6

My cousin is autistic and every now and then we have to "bribe" him. He was hiding in a back bedroom, wouldn't talk or even look my way until I asked if he wanted a cookie (his favorite treat). He was my best friend the rest of the day! Is he getting therapy, going to school, being seen by specialists? If so, his mom should ask them for suggestions to help out!!

Answer 7

This is difficult. You need alot of patience, and you need to stay positive with the child. Read up on the web to see if there is any proven technique to draw him out more, but it just may be that you need to do it on his time frame. Good luck!

Answer 8

I teach an autistic student. I understand how hard it can be. They have their good days and bad days.

Answer 9

Oprah did an episode a few weeks ago on this. Jenny Mccarthy has an autistic child and she offers a ton of ways to improve their social skills.

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Jenny%20McCarthy&page=1