Bring an Apple to the Teacher: Teaching the Teacher

Photo by Woodley Wonder Works.   Spending some time at the beginning of the school year to teach your child’s new teacher about your child can have lasting benefits. Here are some tips on how to prepare a child on the Autism Spectrum’s new teacher in order to have a successful and mutually beneficial school year: Awe the Teacher with Innovative Communication. Teachers are busy, especially during the first few weeks of school. However, you may have important information to share with the teacher regarding: allergies health-risk behaviors (e.g., wandering) communication style environmental triggers (e.g., loud bells that signal the change of classroom) your child’s Individualized Education Program. In an effort to communicate critical information to a teacher, staff from Pacific Child and Family Associates have used Talking Photo Albums – these are inexpensive devices that allow you to insert pictures in a transparent sleeve (e.g., the picture of the foods your child is allergic to) and to record a voice message that the teacher can activate by pressing a button on the corner of the sleeve. The device is unique and fun to use. But more importantly, the device can be used as a medium for sharing information about your child. Establish Rapport and Engagement. Good communication is necessary for all healthy relationships. In consequence, establish a pattern of kind and considerate communication with your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year. In ...
Source: Conversations with Dr Greene - Category: Pediatricians Authors: Tags: Perspectives Autism Source Type: blogs