autism awareness?

[spedrunner]

Hi ladies!

I am working with autism awareness ambassadors and in the process of forming little "welcome" kits for parents and families ( I am a special ed teacher) that have children with special needs and/or are on the spectrum. 

So far, I have the following:
bookmarks
information sheets
coloring book for kids (to learn about what autism is)
signs to look for
stickers
temp tattoos

What else would be beneficial and good to include in my little welcome box/kit?

auntie?

Thanks~!

[auntie]

Who are they for?

[spedrunner]

Parents.

The parents at my school really don't have many resources or help and I want to give them some helpful thing s. Im including local therapists , free programs. Etc.

[auntie]

Mar 13, 2015 19:51:20 GMT -5 spedrunner said:

Hi ladies!

I am working with autism awareness ambassadors and in the process of forming little "welcome" kits for parents and families ( I am a special ed teacher) that have children with special needs and/or are on the spectrum. 

So far, I have the following:
bookmarks
information sheets
coloring book for kids (to learn about what autism is)
signs to look for
stickers
temp tattoos

What else would be beneficial and good to include in my little welcome box/kit?

auntie?

Thanks~!

I'm not a huge fan of autism awareness in school under most circumstances. It seems to have become a thing each April with people jumping on the Autism Speaks puzzle ribbon bandwagon.

TBH, my son finds the attention upsetting. Or as he would say "April is the cruelest month". He's dramatic like that. LOL, the ASD special day class would produce puzzle ribbons and the student council would sell them to raise funds for a local ASD charity and Special Olympics.

Old story, stop me if I've bored you with it previously. In 9th a junior girl that DS sort of liked from band tried to sell him a puzzle ribbon. He declined as he had $1 and wanted to buy a Coke. She chided him for his cheapness and said "don't you want to help people with autism?" to which DS replied "Do you?". "Oh yes she said. I think this is important." DS looked at her and said "If you really want to help people with autism you could be nice to me because I have autism." LOL, she made him a deal- she'd buy a Coke for him if he'd buy the ribbon. She looked out for him the next two years in band. Sweet girl.

Some of your parents are going to be in a funk- especially if this is IEP season and Autism Speaks is up to their usual autism = kidnapping nonsense. It's nice to want to be helpful, but a more individualized packet for each family makes sense. TBH, I'd be a little WTF? if a teacher gave me an information sheet on ASD. LOL, DS's dev pedi once suggested a book on Aspergers to me not realizing that I not only have a signed copy but that the author was my draw for Secret Santa the year before. 

It seems any child in your class already has some dx, so the signs to look for seems a little pointless. 

I'd be really careful around the coloring book. Much as I don't agree with it, some families do not choose to share their dx with the child in question. 

Bookmarks, stickers, tattoos are nice. But I'd avoid the done to death puzzle motif. I react to this much as I do "welcome to Holland". I throw up a little in my mouth on exposure.

Two things that would be/were really useful to me would be

A good lending library of books about ASD and comorbid issues. If you could get that funded, it would be awesome. Our local support group had one and it was fabulous. In addition to the usual ASD and comorbids books, they had a couple DVDs for parents to help understand ASD. Sometimes parents respond better to video, dads especially are more likely to watch rather than read something.

Maybe you could create a website for them with supports. Perhaps even do it as an online newsletter.

You could include NJ COSAC
www.autismnj.org/

Papers you've found useful

Sensory friendly movies, mall Santas and museum programs

Camps

Local support groups

Doing it in this format would allow them to access it anytime and share it with friends. I know you are an amazing teacher, but I know I didn't need more stickers with which my kid could deface my home.






Read more: pandce.proboards.com/post/8903446/quote/428831#ixzz3UOUuKX3j

[spedrunner]

thanks! These are all wonderful suggestions!

[spedrunner]

you are absolutely right about this as well. I have to really think about it and my goals, bc we currently do not have an asd classroom , I am pushing for more special ed classrooms and teachers, so all students are not just thrown into my room like a "dumping" ground

My goal is to create resources for parents

The autism awareness is something that was approached to me by our phys ed teacher, for autism awareness month, he thought it would be great to do, we already have a lot of items, but i am not certain how to go about it in a non-offensive way, I can totally see it upsetting parents and students

[auntie]

spedrunner

Do you do awareness campaigns for any other conditions that might be included in your midst? Down Syndrome? Epilepsy? ODD? ADHD? TBI? 

Why push for more special education classrooms? Wouldn't a better goal to be to push for more relevant support in inclusion or mainstream settings? Or resource settings that can offer differentiated instruction for those who learn differently including those who are G/T?

[spedrunner]

Mar 15, 2015 6:27:14 GMT -5 auntie said:

spedrunner

Do you do awareness campaigns for any other conditions that might be included in your midst? Down Syndrome? Epilepsy? ODD? ADHD? TBI? 

Why push for more special education classrooms? Wouldn't a better goal to be to push for more relevant support in inclusion or mainstream settings? Or resource settings that can offer differentiated instruction for those who learn differently including those who are G/T?

yes, we do awareness campaigns for other conditions as well. I understand that you are not a fan of autism support, but it is important to me because of personal reasons (my brother that passedd away a few years ago was autistic and the motivation for my decision to do what I do) 
PLUS i see so many teachers, parents, individuals that are clueless when it comes to ASD.  They think the child is just a "brat" or incapable of anything. So i just want to help people see a bit more of the bigger picture

My push is more for a TRUE md program or autism support. Yes, ideally i would like to see more inclusion, etc. However I want to right classroom, resources  and support for students that require a more self contained environment, where the focus is on life skills, etc My ultimate goal is to prepare my students so that they CAN transition into a less restrictive enviroment.  However, when you put a mixture of kids in a classroom some with more academic issues, others with more social issues. Its difficult to provide everyone with what they need most.  

Its frustrating, bc I voice my opinions and concerns with the district all the time about improper placements in my classroom. I am just a "dumping" ground and its not fair to the students or myself.

i am actually moving at the end of the year , relocating to a new state. I am finishing out the year here. I realize a lot has to do with the admin.  I feel as if I have put my job on the line several times to get what my students need bc administration isnt educated on the issues OR jsut do not care. 

I hae to pick and choose mybattles. My ultimate goal is to do the best I can for the students and situation I am in. The constant fighting is exhausting and not much seems to be done. Not that I am giving up, but I am just trying to do the best i can for the situation i have to deal with

[spedrunner]

Mar 15, 2015 8:05:14 GMT -5 spedrunner said:

Mar 15, 2015 6:27:14 GMT -5 auntie said:

spedrunner

Do you do awareness campaigns for any other conditions that might be included in your midst? Down Syndrome? Epilepsy? ODD? ADHD? TBI? 

Why push for more special education classrooms? Wouldn't a better goal to be to push for more relevant support in inclusion or mainstream settings? Or resource settings that can offer differentiated instruction for those who learn differently including those who are G/T?

you have NO idea how hard I have pushed and tried for this .........I get told they are working on it. I constantly follow up, but nothing is done, I dont want to bad mouth my school, bc It does have many positives but I dont agree with how they do things

yes, we do awareness campaigns for other conditions as well. I understand that you are not a fan of autism support, but it is important to me because of personal reasons (my brother that passedd away a few years ago was autistic and the motivation for my decision to do what I do) 
PLUS i see so many teachers, parents, individuals that are clueless when it comes to ASD.  They think the child is just a "brat" or incapable of anything. So i just want to help people see a bit more of the bigger picture

My push is more for a TRUE md program or autism support. Yes, ideally i would like to see more inclusion, etc. However I want to right classroom, resources  and support for students that require a more self contained environment, where the focus is on life skills, etc My ultimate goal is to prepare my students so that they CAN transition into a less restrictive enviroment.  However, when you put a mixture of kids in a classroom some with more academic issues, others with more social issues. Its difficult to provide everyone with what they need most.  

Its frustrating, bc I voice my opinions and concerns with the district all the time about improper placements in my classroom. I am just a "dumping" ground and its not fair to the students or myself.

i am actually moving at the end of the year , relocating to a new state. I am finishing out the year here. I realize a lot has to do with the admin.  I feel as if I have put my job on the line several times to get what my students need bc administration isnt educated on the issues OR jsut do not care. 

I hae to pick and choose mybattles. My ultimate goal is to do the best I can for the students and situation I am in. The constant fighting is exhausting and not much seems to be done. Not that I am giving up, but I am just trying to do the best i can for the situation i have to deal with

[auntie]

Mar 15, 2015 8:06:35 GMT -5 spedrunner said:

Mar 15, 2015 8:05:14 GMT -5 spedrunner said:

yes, we do awareness campaigns for other conditions as well. I understand that you are not a fan of autism support, but it is important to me because of personal reasons (my brother that passedd away a few years ago was autistic and the motivation for my decision to do what I do)
 
PLUS i see so many teachers, parents, individuals that are clueless when it comes to ASD.  They think the child is just a "brat" or incapable of anything. So i just want to help people see a bit more of the bigger picture

WTAF?

That's a cheap shot. I devote a great deal of my time and energy to supporting people who are dealing with issues relating to ASD. I moderate forums related to ASD support and advocacy. It's pretty much what I do. 

I don't like meaningless gestures. The puzzle magnets do nothing, lighting buildings up in blue lights does nothing. I don't think people are unaware of ASD- if you hang around any parenting forum for any, you'll see that it has become the monster in the closet. Parents are scared shitless about ASD and a big part of that are dire PSAs that crop up each April.

If the people in your community need help knowing what to look for, perhaps a district wide ASD training in-service would make sense. 

I hope your new district is better.

[spedrunner]

Mar 15, 2015 8:51:29 GMT -5 auntie said:

Mar 15, 2015 8:06:35 GMT -5 spedrunner said:

WTAF?

That's a cheap shot. I devote a great deal of my time and energy to supporting people who are dealing with issues relating to ASD. I moderate forums related to ASD support and advocacy. It's pretty much what I do. 


oh I did not intend to make that a shot at you please dont take it that way, I just meant you are already so knowledgeable and aware about it that its nothing new to you, most (in fact NONE) of my parents know nearly what you do

I don't like meaningless gestures. The puzzle magnets do nothing, lighting buildings up in blue lights does nothing. I don't think people are unaware of ASD- if you hang around any parenting forum for any, you'll see that it has become the monster in the closet. Parents are scared shitless about ASD and a big part of that are dire PSAs that crop up each April.

If the people in your community need help knowing what to look for, perhaps a district wide ASD training in-service would make sense. 

I hope your new district is better.

[spedrunner]

and i understand you are not a fan of the little magnets and things like that. they do seem a bit pointless

So, my original post, I am lookign for other suggestions that would be more beneficial, not whether this is a good idea or not. We are making packets and kits available to parents as a resource, if they want them, we are not giong to force them to take it

sure there are better way s to spend my time, but this is my "assignment", im jsut trying to make it the best possible for all

[auntie]

I'd rather see the website. But since you're leaving, maybe it's not the best idea.

Do you anticipate a backlash if you give a parent who's cruising the well traveled river in Egypt something about ASD? I know sometimes parents who aren't ready can be pretty to teachers who even mention it? You don't deserve that.

[spedrunner]

thats true, def. something to tthink about. I think it would be better to just have it available, if they would choose to, we can prepare the little kits and use it towards one of our team collaborative goals

I would love for parents to be accepting, on board, etc, however I realize its prob a battle i can not fight alone

Im better off focusing my energy on my students

Thanks auntie

[lifeisinteresting]

Mar 15, 2015 9:27:43 GMT -5 spedrunner said:

and i understand you are not a fan of the little magnets and things like that. they do seem a bit pointless

So, my original post, I am lookign for other suggestions that would be more beneficial, not whether this is a good idea or not. We are making packets and kits available to parents as a resource, if they want them, we are not giong to force them to take it

sure there are better way s to spend my time, but this is my "assignment", im jsut trying to make it the best possible for all

Me either. I don't choose to tell
Many my child has ASD. I won't be flying any ribbons and I don't want a magnet. If my child was not diagnosed if be irritated if s teacher gave me a magnet or coloring book and if I wasn't on the same page of considering it then it would go in the trash.

Consider supports for children who are dx or a library of local therapists, neuropsychologists, ABA centers, developmental pedi, OT, ST etc.

Imo this is way outside the breadth of s classroom teacher.

[craftyone]

I agree with the others. I don't want magnets or ribbons. I live with Autism everyday, I don't need another magnet to look at that says "HEY AUTISM". Our state even has Autism specific license plates, guess who doesn't have one.

I'm not sure how you can really help families with ASD other than to be supportive and not to judge. If parents are turning a blind eye to issues seen at home and during parent teacher conferences a piece of paper isn't going to magically make parents see the light and run to get a dx. Plus having a DX shouldn't change how the IEP goals are made, kids could have ASD, but could not qualify for an IEP if they don't meet the criteria.

I understand wanting to do something, but to spend money and effort on pamphlets? I know what helps us and are great. My son's school and ABA therapists regularly post ASD friendly sports activities (ie bouncy houses, trampoline places that have special needs nights that are lowered cost or free for my son), or movies. There are tons of benefits that we attend or I donate or make baked goods that allow for scholarships for my son's school.

As others stated maybe working with social services or a developmental pediatrician to give a list of resources once diagnosed.:
IE do they qualify for Medicaid. Does their private insurance allow for ABA services. Is there a state Autism Mandate for group insurance. OT and SP therapists that focus on ASD patients and what type of insurances they take. Since your school doesn't have an ASD specific classroom, maybe there is in your area that accepts their insurance.

I think it's great you have taken an interest, but I agree it might be something outside of what a teacher should be doing, but it could be something you do on your own.

[spedrunner]

thanks ladies

I have decided to make the kits for fellow teachers, to spread awareness in our school, instead of the parents.

I also have contact and connection with local free sports programs that I always give to the parents, as well as any other programs or upcoming events I think they benefit from

I started a website and in my new district will continue to work on that

Also, I have put in requests to our administration and cst to provide parents with more information about programs like respite, medicaid, etc.

Thanks so much for all your help. I feel I am headed in the right direction now (I am an autism ambassador, therefore was sent a crap load of pamphets and bookmarks, etc, thats where the idea originally came from, i thought "Hey what should I do with these"

I def think the teachers at our school would benefit much more from these