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During the conference there was a segment about the negative light that is cast on autism by the media. I believe that the lack of education for teachers is another hurdle. I had an child with Aspergers two years ago, and worked with incorrect explanation that autism was based on a person’s inability to learn social skills. Despite this MAJOR error in understanding, this student remains one of my favorite kids. ALthough we ‘had our days’ BL was very bright with a great sense of humor. We learned how to work with each other because we had a trusting relationship.

I am happy to say, that after the Autism Institute, I am much better informed and will have many more tools and a lot more insight when working with my two students with autism in this upcoming school year. However, there are A LOT of teachers who have not had specific training or who are operating on false information. They are not ‘bad’ teachers, just misinformed.

My belief is that teaching teachers will be critical in changing the way media and society look at autism. With my better understanding I can talk to the other parents in my class and help them get a better picture of what autism is. A single teacher works with between 20-40 parents a year (maybe more). Imagine how a community would change if every teacher in a school passed on this outlook to the people they worked with. That could reach so many people.

I don’t know what the answer is. I know the funding would be astrnomical (my trip to USD for the three day institute cost nearly $1000) and it would need to be state and nation-wide but I really do believe that teachers are a great place to start.

I know that I will bring back the information to my staff and to the SELPA director and in the meantime I will read my teacher-books on autism and prepare the best, most engaging, and supportive curriculum in my classroom for all my incoming students, including my two who are labeled with autism and you can bet, there will be no mention of the show Survivor and the only voting we will do will involve favorite flavors of ice cream and how many teeth we have lost.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Laurel

I also vote, “Boot her out of class.”

People haven’t needed to be subtle about this attitude around people that don’t to report what happens (and they rarely do report it).

What is subtle is how the those who employ this teacher and those that are supposed to enforce the laws that govern her behavior, condone and encourage this attitude. They may not encourage this specific action but plenty of people know that this attitude often results in actions like this.

The best way to really solve the problem to address the issue at a higher level. However, while we are waiting for the higher-ups to act responsibly (along with waiting for world peace) I agree with you, “Boot her out of class” and send a message to all teachers and potential teachers that it is not O.K. with the public.

Breaks my heart to read this stuff.

I keep hoping my son was the last to have to endure this.

I *hope* it’s good news, Rose I haven’t read the article yet…but at least the story is getting the attention it deserves.