[JaneYoung]

This is a challenge that presents many opportunities for all of you:
students
mentors
the team
It's a great opportunity to work with diversity and different ways of thinking and expression. I've worked with many children with various special needs though I have no special training. Working with them as a mentor has opened up areas to explore and consider that otherwise would not present themselves. Though challenging and a little daunting, this opportunity can be a lot of fun and worthwhile as well.

There are many aspects of the FLL competition/team. Assigning one or two specific tasks to the student might help. Augment that with a special project that would be interesting and fuel the curiosity of his team mates. Curiosity can help people push through barriers and into exploration and friendship.

Good luck with this.
Jane

Edit: I just remembered that there was a presentation in Atlanta this past year concerning children with special needs .
The title of the presentation was Special Needs Children and FIRST Robotics Programs
It was presented by Pamela Greyer, NASA AEL/Chicago Public Schools.

If you contact FIRST, they may be able to provide further information regarding this presentation.