Special Needs

[Dorienne]

Hello,

My name is Dorienne Plait. I am studying to be a special education teacher for middle/high school. I am not an expert on any level, but maybe I can offer advice.

1) This is for everyone reading this thread and posting in it: please use person-first language when referring to students with special needs. For example, instead of saying "autistic student," say "student with autism." It puts the person before the diagnosis. You can read more about person-first language here.

2) Talk with the special education teacher at the school. He/she will be able to help you understand the student a lot better. He/she will also be able to give you an idea as to what makes the student tick, and what behaviors he tends to exhibit. This will give you better insight on how to handle the student. Find out if the student likes working with others; what special tasks he enjoys; if the student likes science, math, or business; etc. Come up with a list of questions to ask the teacher.

3) Sit down with the student and ask him what he would like to do on the team. Give him options; students with special needs really like having choices. It gives them the freedom to choose what they would most enjoy doing.

4) Have a small meeting with the team, mentors, parents, etc. and give them a heads up on the student and what he suffers from. Give them basic information on autism, the type the student was diagnosed with, and explain to them the ways they can best communicate with and work with him. It will make all involved feel much more comfortable with the situation. Invite his parents to come along as well; ask them beforehand if they can give you insight on how to best involve and talk to the student. Maybe, if you ask, they will speak at the meeting and give you more information that will help.


If I come up with more ideas, I will post them. I hope these suggestions help you.