Do you work with students who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome and severe autism?

I recently started in a classroom of middle school students with severe disabilities. I have a lot of questions but don't know where to start. I have a special ed background, but am new to a functionally/mentally disabled atmosphere.

If you have resources, I would love to know of them. How are bad behavior choices handled in your classroom? What is the classroom schedule like? How much time do you/can you spend on core content (these students are, for the most part, non verbal)? What do you do if you are attacked? What kind of training have you had to handle physical altercations (if any)?

I am not the teacher of record and as I said, this is a new environment for me. I thought if people out there could give me feedback, I'd have a better understanding. Sure it's tough, and yes, rewarding. I'm not able to observe similar settings with different personnel, so I'm curious. Thank you in advance! (And is this question ends up too vague or unclear, I'll be back to give more info if needed.)

2009-01-08T17:30:15Z

Thanks for the answers! I want to observe more than the one situation I am in, but that most likely will not occur in the near future.

Thing is, I believe more can be done where I am, and it doesn't take a lot of money to do so. It might take some time, however.

And so true, the students ARE the best teachers.

I was hoping to compare notes. I've always gone into situations, looked around and then had my brain fry because I couldn't turn off the ideas - for instance, more manipulatives that can be used in teaching; items that might help with sensory deprivation and books that can't be torn apart. And what of actual teaching techniques? That's an inkling about what's going on in my head.

Melissa N2009-01-07T20:28:27Z

Favorite Answer

I used to work in an elementary Autism program. For every student and every class it's going to look a little different. Your best place to start is requesting to see the kids' IEPs. It's possible your school won't permit it, but if you are working directly with a student it's important for you to understand their goals and objectives. Typically if a student has severe behavior issues there would be something in the IEP or as a seperate Behavior Plan created by a specialist. When going into a class like this you shouldn't feel alone...there's a big paper trail for a reason, it will help you. Also, talk to other teachers, SLP/OTs, or parents. Seriously, I tried to figure things out on my own, but collaboration is really important.
Also, there is a lot of trial and error as you get to know what works for kids. Don't be discouraged if something doesn't work right away. Sometimes it takes a while for a student to learn to use a certain tool or routine and sometimes it's just not a good fit.
For autism spectrum disorder I would suggest lots of visuals (for verbal and non-verbal students alike). Picture schedules that velcro so students can remove tasks as they finish them work great to work towards independent work. Sometimes using separate boxes or drawers that have 3 or 4 activities will get your kid to know what they need to finish and it's all clearly organized.
I've found that using a behaviorist theory of reward systems work well. example: kid earns 5 stars and he gets free choice time or goldfish crackers or whatever floats their boat. Depending on the kid they can earn stars for different things. If behaviors and issue they can be rewarded for good behavior and removed for bad. Again, it will all depend on the student.
There are tons of sources online that are helpful. A book I am using now in my masters program that seems pretty good is calls Teaching Special Students in General Education Classrooms by Lewis and Doorlag. Hope some of that was helpful!

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yadusuri2009-01-08T16:34:34Z

I have a son who has Downs and my wife is a spl Ed, in fact the principal of a special school in Calcutta. More details would be welcome from your end. Observe and a lot of answers will come to you. The children themselves are the best teachers

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Anonymous2009-01-08T03:19:52Z

My mom and uncle are both special ed teachers, and as far as physical conflicts, their policy is they may not touch the students, UNLESS the student is a threat to other students. If you touch the student when they were not a threat, you could lose your job.

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i_hrt_gir2009-01-08T17:51:05Z

my mom works with autistic children and my little sister has down syndrome. i've helped my mom in her class many times, but cannot give you all your answers. sorry. but my mom has to go to a training once a year for restraining special children when they attack her. you must be very patient and have a big heart. good luck!

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