Great Article...a Must Read!

Check out this article to learn more about effective schools for kids with high functioning autism....like Alexsander Academy! It is a great article and showcases 3 Atlanta schools and a few other schools from around the country.

Success!

As we wrap up the school year and my students finish their final exams, it forces me to reflect upon the year (and 2 years for some of them) and remember where they were when they first came to my school. Some of them felt broken, most of them had been given up on by other teachers and professionals (but not their parents!), and some had challenging behavioral and social issues. Their anxiety levels were high as the started the year at a new place, unsure if we would "get" them. Now, I see these children that have grown SO much that sometimes I can't believe how far they have come. Their anxiety levels have been greatly reduced or are almost non-existent, their conversational skill have made vast improvements, and their academic abilities continue to progress. Many of their behaviors have gone away or have improved so much. They are happy and feel good about who they are. Just watching them taking a final exam, being focused, trying hard, asking for help appropriately, makes me remember all of this growth and really makes me proud of them. It hasn't been as easy road, but we have worked hard together....never giving up. Fortunately for me, I will have these same students next year and I can't wait for the end of the next year so that I can reflect upon all of the amazing changes that they will make over the next year and to able to "see" their bright futures ahead of them. It is amazing how having the right school and/or the right teacher or professional, and/or just one right person that can change the life of a child.

Programs Don't Teach Childen, People Do....

Often when parents and other members of the community come to visit my school, the first thing that they want to know is "What programs do you have here?" They want to know what specific programs we use to educate our students. We don't. I can never give a parent a straight answer because there isn't one program that can educate EVERY child. That is impossible. Rather we hire certified, qualified teachers that use their knowledge, training, and experience to educate our students. We build relationships with our students and tailor their education to their needs. A program cannot do that. A program doesn't know the child. A program doesn't know when a child isn't "getting it". As a teacher you see this and experience it with your students and then make adjustments so that they child can learn the material. Sometimes parents and other community members forget the difference a teacher can make in the life of their child and that the TEACHER is the one helping their child grow, learn, and make progress. I would hire an excellent teacher anyday over ordering an expensive program because the the teacher will have a much greater(and longer!) impact and effect on their students than any program that is out there.

In the Spirit of Giving

As the winter holidays approach, my mind starts thinking about giving to others and how I can impact the lives of others. I teach my students academically, strategies to deal with their own disability and issues, how to socialize with others, communication skills, and try to meet their emotional needs. I do give back everyday to my students and hopefully their parents. So many of my students have other therapists that work with them and try and help them as well. Their parents, more than anyone else, give up so much so that their children can have everything that they need to be successful and have their needs met. I watch all of my students being given so much because their needs are so great....however, I have have started to wonder why we don't teach them to also give back to others. Doesn't it feel great to give to others and doesn't it empower you as a person to give to others? Why shouldn't we empower our students, including those students with needs, to give back to others in need so that they can also feel valued. Isn't it a great lesson to our children that they feel like CAN and SHOULD help others. Sometimes children that require a lot of support and assistance don't realize how much is being given and done for them so that they can get all of the help that they need. They don't see the sacrifices that their parents and teachers/therapists make to ensure that their needs are met. I think by teaching our children to give back to others, it may make them realize what has been done for them and appreciate it more. It also gives them a chance to feel as if they can impact someone else's life and feel empowered at the same time.