Day 4: 7-20-10

Day 4 in Mr. McCraw classroom which we are cover drawing on today. I notice that one of his student as asperger's syndrome. Language frustrated him, and I noticed OCD-type behaviors, like needing to travel the same route around the table to his seat, eat his food from left to right, and line up toys in the classroom. There were sensory issues where his clothing had to be cotton with no tags, and he wanted to wear his underwear inside out from what his parents told us. If things were not the way he needed them to be (or thought they should be) he unraveled and could not get himself back together. He had a look in his eyes of "coming undone." I wouldn't call it defiance, but more like not having things under control. There were lots of melt downs.
He has a sensory integration disorder which he has a hard time understanding other people's perspectives, and impulsive speech is a problem. He blurts out whatever he is thinking. He does not like to be touched or to be in small rooms. He does not make eye contact and adults often think he is being disrespectful.
The teacher has a set schedule for him since he is the only one in the classroom with the disorder. The students knows the schedule, if there are any changes in the routine, the student must know and be prepared for it far in advance. Changes in routine can cause much disruption in the life of a child with asperger's. Therefore, it is best that a teacher prepare students for any upcoming changes. These are some of the accommodations that the school has for students with this type of disorder.
Transition before or after class for a set period of time is allowed for him. For example, a student with asperger's may be allowed to pass through the hallways five minutes before or five minutes after the bell. This helps deal with crowds in the hallway that may be overwhelming and allows for more time to prepare for the next class, or organize materials from the previous class.
Also the students show signs of over-stimulation when there is too much noise in the classroom or recess time. The teacher has things set a side to help drown out the noise as in headphones to block the noise out until the student calms downs. Also he seat is in the front of the classroom next to the top students who can help him and so the teacher can keep on eye on him if he goes through a withdraw stage.
The school accommodations provided for a child with asperger's is well detailed and keep on a set schedule. I see that the school work with parents and the student to find appropriate accommodations that will provide the student with what will hopefully be a successful educational experience. And the parent reinforce the same strategies at home also to keep a set schedule at home too.


http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Aspergers_and_Classroom_Accomodations