Talking to the teacher about Max & his brand of AS

[HarperRose]

Ok, so there's a saying in the autism community that goes: When you've met ONE kid on the spectrum, you've met ONE KID on the spectrum. They may share a lot of similar characteristics, but overall, it's a grab bag. I imagine it's the same for many of our SN kids.

Here's my question: HOW do you explain YOUR KID?

I am meeting w/ Max's teacher in a couple weeks to explain him a bit better, but I feel sort of lost about what to say.

She's very easy going, works well with him, and wants to know more about him as an individual. His challenges, his talents, etc. The trouble is, I don't know where to start. I live with Max. I see Max on a daily basis. Max is just.... Max.

Where do I go with this?

[Linda on the move]

Why don't you start by telling US about Max.

With my Dd, I start with her intelligence and sensory issues because people are most likely to not understand her intense sensory stuff and some people underestimate how bright she really is. I'm sure it's different with your child.

[NightOwlwithowlet]

I write it down. I had to write a letter to my son's kindergarten teacher last year (all the parents did). It was essential for S because he was starting with ADHD and SPD and no IEP or 504.

Basically whenever he starts a new sitter or activity (we home school now), I give them a brief spiel about who he is, strengths and challenges.

Usually, I tell them he's pretty much like any other 7 year old boy, but he's extremely smart. It's easy to underestimate him because of his speech delay and attention span, but even as he is moving around the room, he's taking in everything going on. He needs to move and he always has ear plugs in his pocket or back pack to deal with loud places.

I give them a brief run down on how to best deal with any discipline issues. How to tell when he is not listening because he doesn't understand (lots of nodding and repeating what you said) versus just being naughty (staring at the ground and crossing his arms). How best to get his attention in loud room and brief lesson in SPD and hyper focus. The best way to help him calm down, which is rare these days.

How to tell when he is playing them (he had his kindergarten teacher running in circles last year) and when he is lying. Not be fooled by those big eyes and long eyelashes, because we want him held responsible for his behavior.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by NightOwlwithowlet

I write it down.

I recently did a one page bulleted list. About 2/3rds of the page were challenages, but at the bottom I did a section of "things going well."

[Kailey's mom]

With my dd *she's not in school yet btw* I explain her interests, things that one could talk to her about to keep her engaged and happy. I explain activities that calm her down, and things that can be done if for some reason she starts to meltdown. I then tell people things that trigger meltdowns, and explain that she takes things quite literal, so be careful not to say things like " I've got a frog in my throat" etc. Overall she's a typical, bright 3.5 year old, with some quirks that are very big deal to her

[alexsam]

How about the two of you put together a "portfolio"? Drawings, school work, favorite song, pictures from his favorite places, etc... It will be able to get you talking about him as a person and will also be a positive place to start. you could make it with him .

[Kailey's mom]

Originally Posted by alexsam

How about the two of you put together a "portfolio"? Drawings, school work, favorite song, pictures from his favorite places, etc... It will be able to get you talking about him as a person and will also be a positive place to start. you could make it with him .

I like this!

[HarperRose]

You guys ROCK! Ok. I'll be thinking of these things and getting them together in my head... Stay tuned.