If your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or as we call it, autism, school can be a bit of a difficult place at times. "How will my child behave at school?", "Will the teacher not understand my child?", "Will he get along with other children?" You probably have a lot of questions on your mind. This is actually a bit of a challenge not only for the child, but also for you as parents and teachers. Some parents say, 'Our school doesn't understand this at all.' Others say, 'My child's behavior problems have increased because he can't communicate properly with others at school.' So today, let's talk about how we can help such a child learn well and go to school happily.
Not all autistic children are the same: the solution cannot be the same either
First, the most important thing we all need to understand is that every child with autism is different. That means every child has different symptoms, learning styles, and abilities.
Simply put, autism is not a disease like diabetes mellitus. As one psychiatrist says, "We know two or three things for sure about every child with diabetes. But autism is not like that. It is a very broad spectrum. Therefore, the education system that helps these children needs to be as broad as possible."
This means that your child needs attention and support that is unique to them, tailored to them. What works for the autistic child next door may not work for your child.
Let's learn from the experiences of parents: some practical advice
A mother of an autistic child shared her experience. She says that her child is doing well in a regular school today because they, as a family, started preparing for their child early. Here are some valuable tips we can learn from this experience.
| Advice | In simple terms... |
|---|---|
| Know exactly your child's strengths and weaknesses | Get a good medical assessment of your child's condition. For example, you can ask your doctor about a standardized test like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) . These results will be very helpful in developing an educational plan for your child in school. |
| Everything becomes easier with practice. | Some children may need to be taught to use the words 'he' or 'she' correctly about 50 times. So, it's hard to expect them to go to class right away and do everything right. Start by going to school about a week before the start of the school year and practicing. Show them things like the new classroom, the washroom, and the drinking fountain. |
| Give teachers simple, clear instructions | Imagine that a child is third in line at a sports practice. He may not remember the instructions the coach is giving him. But if the coach calls the child's name and takes a minute to repeat the instructions, he will understand. This is really a good method for any child. |
| Get involved in school work. | Volunteer at parent-teacher conferences and school events. This way, you'll always be up-to-date on what's going on at school. Your child's teachers will also get to know you better. |
| Share what you know with teachers. | Give teachers articles and booklets about children with autism. Ask them to share these materials with other teachers and therapists who teach the child. |
Let's work with the school to create an educational plan that suits your child.
In foreign countries, a legal plan called `Individualized Education Plan (IEP)` is used to guide the education of an autistic child. Although this system is not implemented in the same way in our country, we can 100% utilize that idea.
Simply put, this involves parents, teachers, and therapists coming together to discuss what the child needs to succeed academically and then develop a plan. This may include things like speech therapy and occupational therapy.
So, here are some tips to make this kind of discussion with the school a success:
- Be a helper, not a bother: Rather than demanding, "We want this, we want that," be prepared to discuss realistic goals that your child can achieve. For example, you could talk about a goal like "to initiate a conversation with another child a few times a week."
- Include an outsider who knows the child well: Perhaps including someone in this discussion, such as a therapist who treats the child, or a teacher who was in the previous class and understands the child well, can yield many good ideas.
- Thank those who help you: Thank everyone who comes to this discussion. Teachers have to work extra hard when working with a child with autism, so your appreciation will be a great encouragement to them.
When you think you need to change schools
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, the school environment may not suit the child. In such cases, experts say that you should not think twice about changing schools.
A "litmus test" for deciding when it's time to change schools is if the child is consistently punished for something they can't control .
For example, take a behavior called "stimming." This is when a child with autism repeatedly makes the same kind of movement (e.g., clapping, rocking back and forth). This may be neurologically based. This behavior can come out when a child is feeling anxious, bored, or doesn't understand what's going on in class.
Children with autism also often have sensory issues. Some children may be hypersensitive to touch and movement. Others may need things like a tight hug, or may find it calming to chew on things like pencils. When they can't say, "Teacher, I don't understand this," a child may chew on a pencil instead.
Often, regular teachers are not trained to identify the reason behind such behavior . Therefore, these children are likely to be punished under the label of "bad behavior." If such a situation continues, it is important to think about a more suitable environment for the child.
Schools dedicated to children with special needs
Some parents feel that traditional schools do not have the resources or teacher training to address the challenges of an autistic child. As a result, some parents have come together and started schools specifically for these children.
The aim of these schools is not just to teach children skills. "We teach children to think, to solve problems. And we also teach them to use those strategies appropriately," says one director of one such school. Their aim is to focus on the neurodevelopmental aspects and social-emotional aspects of the child in a loving, supportive environment.
Take-Home Message
- Every child is different: Every child with autism (ASD) is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Understand your child well.
- Work collaboratively with the school: Talk openly with teachers. Make them aware of your child's situation, needs, and strengths. Work as a team.
- Prepare your child: Gradually accustom your child to the school environment and routine. Practice can reduce your child's fear and anxiety.
- Calmly advocate for your child: When speaking up for your child's needs, speak in a supportive, factual manner, rather than arguing.
- Seek medical advice: Whenever you have a problem with your child's condition, behavior, or education, talk to your pediatrician or psychiatrist. They will give you the right guidance.
- If it's hurting your child, make a change: If the current school environment continues to harm your child's psyche, don't be afraid to look for a better environment.
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