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.

A Successful Day...Finally!

It has been a little bit rough at Alexsander Academy the last few weeks because one of students has been having a tough time. This happens sometimes and it isn't always easy to deal with the change and be flexible, but it is part of working with our children. We have been patient and trying to help him get on a more positive track and today, for the first time in a couple of weeks, he has had a great day! With some adjustments to his schedule, lots of positive reinforcement, and several conversations with him, he was able to make today a positive one. I am hopeful that this will continue and make a great a week overall!

iPad Helping Children with Autism

Recently, I read an article about how the iPad is helping kids with autism. If you have the time, it is a great article to read. I'm sure Apple was surprised at the success and usefulness for kids with autism to use the iPad and didn't realize that market as a source for their iPad. One reason it seems to be successful with children with autism, is that it has a touch screen, which is easier for many kids to type on, search on, and communicate on. It is like having a touch screen on a computer (which many families with children with autism buy because it is too difficult for their child to move a mouse while looking at a computer screen) except it is smaller, portable, and looks way cooler. Having iPad's for my students would be amazing and it could really open up a lot of doors for children with autism and other disabilities. There were, however, a few things in the article that I did not agree with. One thing being that it made several references to children with autism not liking to socialize and preferring to socialize with computers and not humans. In my years of experience I don't believe this to be a true statement. Yes, kids with (and without) autism enjoy technology, however, they also want to interact with other, make friends, and feel connected to peers. All humans need to be connected to others, and this does include children on the autism spectrum. Take the time, read the article, and as you read the article, be a little cautious of believing everything you read. http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-08-11/news/ihelp-for-autism/

You Can't Judge a Book By Its Cover

We often look at others and make snap (or quick) judgments based upon what we see or how someone talks. However, if we take a little more time to get to know the person, we often find that the person is very different then we initially thought. Many people do this with people with disabilities as well. I see people do it with my students all the time. They look at them and think they are strange, loud, feel sorry for them, stupid, are scared of them, and/or lots of other negative things. If they would stop for a moment, they might see all the amazing qualities that my students possess. They might see that they are not their disability but a child. A prime example of this was displayed by one of my students that can be a rough kid at times (sometimes saying aggressive things or actions). One day he showed his true colors and let me see who he really is. As another child came up the stairs (a child that is legally blind), he was worried about the child falling and hitting his head, so he assisted him up the stairs and helped to guide him into the classroom. He was SO gentle with him and talked him the whole way there. He held his hand and back the whole way. This is a kid that most wouldn't expect this from, but over time showed his true colors. He is a sweet and caring boy that enjoys helping others. After this happened, it reminded me how important it is to take some extra time to get to know someone before passing judgement on them.