I am modeling this page and these tips after my daughter who has Asperger's. I have found, however, that while these are tips that are non-negotiables for her, they work with all kids!
Things she responds well to:
* praise of any kind
* respecting personal space
* consistency
* routine
* "playing by the rules"
* neat and orderly spaces
* quiet places to work
* sometimes a cubby
* sitting in the back of the room
* a posted schedule that is adhered to
* check off sheets
* very concrete directions
* a place for a "time out" if needed
* clear expectations
* a place to write her thinking or questions
* opportunities to keep a journal for research
* PATIENCE
* a place for a "time out" if needed
* clear expectations
* a place to write her thinking or questions
* opportunities to keep a journal for research
* PATIENCE
Her negative triggers:
* too much noise
* disorderliness
* close talking
* "rough" feeling clothes
* inconsistency of any kind- with rules, with schedules, etc.
* too many people around her
* calling her out in front of the class
* too many directions told to her at once
* figures of speech she can't understand and that are not explained
* touching her when she is in an elevated mood
***These kids are often very immature in their thinking. They love nothing more than for you to listen to their latest interest. They often read on a very high level, but comprehension is lacking (especially fiction). They are unique and amazing people!
* touching her when she is in an elevated mood
***These kids are often very immature in their thinking. They love nothing more than for you to listen to their latest interest. They often read on a very high level, but comprehension is lacking (especially fiction). They are unique and amazing people!
Good articles:
Things I Agree With:
ReplyDelete1. Be particularly sensitive to peer rejection and bullying when dealing with students who have aspirer's disorder. I think this is important because especially at a young age students are vulnerable and may have low self-esteem from comments of other students.
2. I definitely agree with the idea in the Living with Asperger's article that students with Asperger's can be extremely gifted in a particular subject. I knew some students at my high school who had Asperger's, and they were extremely gifted in science. I also noticed, as the article mentions, "an intense focus and tendency to work things out logically," which probably enables them to succeed.
3. I also agree with the points brought up in the 22 Tips for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, such as keeping language simple and concrete and giving clear choices rather than leaving things open ended. This tends to work better with children in general.
Two questions I have:
1. Are sarcasm and idioms something to be avoided only when working with Asperger's students or is this something to be avoided with all students?
2. I am confused by what it means on the last tip given in the article, "Allowing some access to obsessive behavior as a reward for positive efforts?"
One aha moment:
The fact that students with Asperger's take things literally seemed to be a common theme in both the 22 Tips article and the Classroom Tips for Students with Asperger's Disorder. This is why they do not discern sarcasm or "meaningful looks" very well. You have to be very clear, concise, and straightforward with these students.
Great thoughts! I will try to answer your questions:
Delete1. Sarcasm is definitely to be avoided when working with students, they simply don't get it and it can come across as very disrespectful. Idioms, like "a penny for your thoughts" is usually understood just fine by neurotypical students.
2. Allowing some access to obsessive behavior... would be something like, let them do research on the topic they are obsessed with if they do their other work first. Or give them 10 minutes to talk to you about their obsession. I had a student a couple years ago who only wanted to talk about video games. He had to have boundaries set and he had to take care of his responsibilities first then he could have time to talk to me about his obsession.
A Blog by a Girl with Asperger's
ReplyDeleteThree things I agree with:
Coping strategies are very important with people with Asperger's.
They have a wild imagination.
That she called her Asperger's a blessing because it makes her who she is--inspiring.
Two questions I still have:
Would having someone near her make her feel better, like the imaginary horse did?
Why would her imaginary animal or object grow or decrease in size?
One aha moment:
The fact that the girl felt better after she had an imaginary friend with her on her journeys. This may help most people with Asperger's because then they will not feel so "alone."
This is a cool blog! Answers to your questions:
ReplyDeleteHaving someone near might be too intimidating, an imaginary horse or person often feels safer. This, of course, depends on the person and their relationship with them. My daughter normally does not want anyone to touch her, but if the person has taken the time to build a relationship with her she is much more receptive.
Great questions!
Classroom Tips for Students with Asperger's Disorder
ReplyDeleteThree things I agree with are not using sarcasm/expecting them to understand tones and expressions because some or many often do not, speaking clearly and concisely, and arranging for a safe place they can retreat to in case of a meltdown.
Two questions I have: What is a behavior modification plan? How would a substitute teacher go about implementing these tips?
One "aha" moment: I did not realize people with Asperger's disorder can have difficulty with handwriting. This goes to show how many differences there are between everyone because I have never known someone with Asperger's or autism who has handwriting trouble.
If a student has a behavior modification plan it should be posted in the sub plans left by the teacher. Hopefully. As a substitute you will quickly see needs even if something was not left informing you of specifics. Use the tools and strategies we discussed in class and that are in your book and you should be just fine!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, and my daughter has no trouble with handwriting as an "Aspie", but she is EXTREMELY meticulous! Every letter has to be perfect or she will start all over and she bears down REALLY hard on her paper, to the point that her hand is sore. There are so many different little quirks these kids can have.
ReplyDeleteArticle: 22 Tips for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
ReplyDeleteI found it very profound. While I agree with all the tips, the three I especially agree with are;
4. Give fewer choices. If a child is asked to pick a color, say red, only give him two to three choices to pick from. The more choices, the more confused an autistic child will become.
6. Avoid using sarcasm. If a student accidentally knocks all your papers on the floor and you say “Great!” you will be taken literally and this action might be repeated on a regular basis.
11. Teaching what “finished” means and helping the student to identify when something has finished and something different has started. Take a photo of what you want the finished product to look like and show the student. If you want the room cleaned up, take a picture of how you want it to look some time when it is clean. The students can use this for a reference.
I found these interesting.
- Montse
Great thoughts Montse!
ReplyDelete1) I agree with praising kids with aspergers. All people need praise, more so for children and especially children who must adapt to a learning disability of any kind.
ReplyDelete2) I agree with avoiding using idioms. Figurative language can be confusing for all sorts of people- young children, people who do not speak English as a first language and people with aspergers. I think as a teacher, its a good habit to get out of in general.
3) I agree with not taking rude behavior personally. A mental difference is just as physical (caused by the brain) and real as a broken leg, and its unfair to blame the character of an individual for their response in a given situation.
If a child with aspergers should be excluded from a certain or sport or game, what is an inoffensive way to do this?
Is there a place in a classroom that children with aspergers should sit to maximize the respect of their physical space, if this is an issue for them? IE putting them in one of the front corners, next to a chill student?
My aha moment was that routine is really important for people with aspergers. I thought that this was just a generally important thing for children who struggle in school. I didn't realize minor changes in routine could be anxiety inducing, triggering significant changes in behavior and mood.
Wow, I didn't realize how much Asperger's is like type-A personalities. All of these things are very much like myself, and I understand the need for all of these! Now I feel pretty confident that if a student of mine had Asperger's that I would respond and react in a way that would be comforting to myself as well. So as long as I react with the "How would I feel?" reaction, I should be able to accommodate these wonderfully unique children's needs! This is definitely my AHA moment!
ReplyDeleteMy aha moment:
ReplyDeleteI knew that figurative language and idioms could be a difficulty for students with Asperger's and/or Autism, but I realized while reading through this page that I had heard this idea somewhere else, too - Being concrete and direct with your language is also good for English language learners! It's also beneficial for students who are from a different culture, geographical area, or who speak a different dialect of English. My friend from high school would always be confused at Southernisms, being from New York. Everyone has their own unique verbal patterns - What I call a buggie my friend calls a wagon and my mom calls a grocery cart. This is also where images/visual aids come in handy!
I completely agree with these bullet points you provided. Knowing what to expect from people with autism and aspergers can help you be more prepared and know what to expect and it may help your day to go smoother, and smoother for the child too which is a major plus. The articles provided have great insight. Even if you dont know much about autism, reading a few of these articles I learned a lot.
ReplyDelete