Autism Research

» lh48 - Inclusion

Although the idea of inclusion is wonderful, it is often very difficult for the teachers in a mainstream classroom to deal with the needs of an autistic child and 29 other children.
In some cases it can also be distressing and disruptive for the other children in the class. If inclusion is to work, there needs to be the financial resources to make it work and not simply serve to isolate the child.

-- posted by lh48

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» TraceyThompson - Inclusion

In response to Inclusion posted by lh48:

Although that may be true, with the correct training of teachers and staff and proper supports in place this is not a problem. Elementry age children are served well by having a personal aide in place. This helps the student and the teacher. Many schools embrace inclusion and the teachers, schools and students are better for it. It is sometimes difficult though to get schools to want support this idea. You are right, the issue is frankly money. The national school system as a whole needs to be revamped. Sadly school systems that are having one teacher to 29 children are doing a dis-service to the students, the teacher and the future. Children with autism are more than a label and many have the capablility of having what neuro-typicals define as normal lives. The fact is that 1-166 children are diagnosed with autism. If the time, engery and investment is not put in now we are soon to have a generation of children unable to provide for themselves. That cost is too great for our society beyond just the economics.

-- posted by TraceyThompson

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» Kathy Quan - Inclusion

In response to Inclusion posted by TraceyThompson:
I totally agree that our education system needs to be revamped! 29 children to one teacher is way too many, but here in So. CA we often see 35-40 students to one teacher!!!

Parent involvenment is essential and mainstreaming children is very important not only for the special needs child but for the other children to learn tolerance and acceptance of others who aren't just like them.

I know it's difficult for teachers, but if teachers need help they need to ask their PTA for help in their classroom if they don't have aides available. They need to learn how to use parents to help out and to not be threatened by parental help.

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» ChosenLast - Inclusion

In response to Inclusion posted by lh48:
As an autistic child in a mainstream classroom, I found the lack of discipline with bully's to be more of a problem than my need for special attention. I feared bullies because I was completely unable to anticipate their aggressive behavior.

I remember an early childhood experience when one of the class bullies picked up a wooden box and slammed it on the head of one of our classmates. The boxes were made of hardwood and intended to be used by the children to make igloo like structures. The impact broke several teeth and caused the child to bite through his tongue. I was splashed by blood and traumatized.

To my dismay, the bully was back in class before the end of the day. His behavior did not change. He remained at the top of the class social hierarchy through the rest of the school year.

If a coworker performed the same act of violence toward someone next to you, wouldn't you expect the management to find the financial resources to do something about it?

-- posted by ChosenLast

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