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rosiemunchkins · 03-03-2010, 08:08 PM

I will be going to hear a parent talk about autism and his/her experience as a parent and as an educational expert.

I would like to ask him/her a few questions that will promote a great discussion and deeper insight into the lives of parents and families living with a child with autism.

For those of you who have a child with autism ....what types of questions come to mind that you wish more people would ask/don't ask you? What questions should educational providers ask you (as a parent) to promote a healthier more positive atmosphere for your children? What are some of the greatest misconceptions of children with autism?

If you would rather send me a PM then that is alright to.

I appreciate anything you are willing to contribute.

tansie · 03-03-2010, 08:53 PM

Hmmm, how long until you need the info? It could take me days to type it all out!

In all seriousness... when are you going?

rosiemunchkins · 03-03-2010, 09:01 PM

Tomorrow.

The purpose of the seminar is to provide us soon-to-be teachers with a better understanding of our students with autism. I want to ask a few GREAT and meaningful questions so anything that you can contribute will be very helpful.

twinmommy · 03-03-2010, 09:29 PM

We have just signed the kids up for JK so I do not have any experience yet with school.

Their daycare always asks us what works/what doesn't work at home. We try to be consistent at home with what they daycare is doing during the day.

Daycare also asks what specific goals we have in mind with DS. Right now it is increasing communication. The daycare teacher has offered to be trained in PECS and is always asking if there are resources that can be provided to help her with DS.

Ummm...I am sure there are more but I am blanking

Leigh · 03-03-2010, 09:33 PM

a big thing we've struggled with is- knowing how my childs day at school was- it really does effect his behaviour at home.

Trust me when I say, it's not pretty and that even something that seems small to you, is big to him.

twinmommy · 03-03-2010, 09:38 PM

As an educational provider I would liked to be asked, what do you need to advocate for resources for DS. I know that EA funding is limited but I would like to know what the school needs from me to help get this support.

I agree, communication would be a big one and trying to figure out a system that is not too much work for the teacher but still provides the info that I need as a parent.

FlowerAngel · 03-03-2010, 09:42 PM

Removed my comment as it didn't make any sense to me when I read it; I must be that tired! O.O

tansie · 03-03-2010, 09:51 PM

I guess my number one thing would be to ask me how my child shows what he knows. He is non-verbal and with being autistic, could give a rat's ass to show you what he can do or what he knows.
He went in to JK recognizing all of his letters - uppercase, lowercase, could fingerspell them, and could tell you the sounds they made. However, his report card came back saying that he recognized three letters of the alphabet!!!!!! Ya, well that's because you never asked him to show you in a way that 1) he understood the question, and 2) could show you the answer! They were blown away when I showed them... also that he could read a few sight words, knew a gazillion shapes, and about 11 colours.

So, to me... that would be one of the most important things that you could ask me about his academics.

Now, I also mentioned that DS is non-verbal. So, to ask how a student communicates is important as well. I totally get that the resources are limited and a lot of time can't be spent just with my son, and that is why we have him in a developmental class now. He has flourished since then!