Back to School Jitters

08/13/2011 14:02:00

Every school year I get "Back to School" jitters because my daughter is a unique student who I know needs instructors and caregivers who are not only experienced, but trained to work with the Autistic population. Sadly, the school district does not have the number of trained staff to meet the needs of this steadily growing population. I expect in the 2011-2012 school year, that there are no glitches like the late start of support services (OT, speech and PT). That children are assigned to their respective classrooms in the correct ratios and aren't subjected to multiple changes which those if us who know, is not good for Autistic children. They need consistency.

I'm anxious everyday but not so much right now since my daughter is supposed to be in class with the same teacher she was with last November thru June. I, of course, would be mortified if there is a new teacher. We would then be subjected to learning someone new, and the new teacher might need weeks before he or she becomes familiar with my daughter. It worries me-having to start over, yet again, in a new school building to boot.

I am trying to keep the faith but the school district should use the current school year, renewed budget and windfall of funding for special needs students to finally get its Autism program right. We need after-school programming too. We need sports and recreation too. We need year round programming too.

Let's Talk Autism

05/10/2011 10:45:00

During Autism Awareness month, we talk about autism daily. The media gives us a wealth of information on this topic. We display autism banners, wear autism apparel, and even have autism bazaars in the schools. But, my concern is the LACK of media attention and awareness about this global public concern after April 30th. They say, it takes 30 days to detox the body and mind from bad habits and behaviors. Well, if this saying holds any validity than by May 30th, society should be immune-free from discussing autism. Today is May 9th, look at the passive attention autism receives. Ok, Besides the fact that South Korea did a study and suggests 1 in 38 children have autism. Yes, red flags should go up!! This is a major concern. On the other hand, a college student wrote she never heard the word "autism" until today! In the year 2011, how can we fail to inform and educate the youth;future leaders of society about this disorder? Do we talk more about autism
through the use of videos, play stations, game boys, Facebook or Twitter? People we must do better with educating and empowering others. So, I ask, what are you doing to educate society about autism??
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Back to School Jitters

Let's Talk Autism