What Can Students on the Spectrum do? LOTS!

For the past few weeks, I have been reminded of how much students on the Autism Spectrum can accomplish when we hold them to high expectations and encourage them. Sometimes, unfortunately, these kids may not get the attention they need to reach goals and stay engaged at school. However, when given attention and positive reinforcement, they can achieve so much!

 Before I started with my summer kids, I heard many stories about which student couldn't do this or that. Of course, I ignored these comments and went forward with my optimism and determination, and these same kids that I was told couldn't do anything have accomplished so much!

Examples:

1) This week we planted our sprouted seeds and transplanted plants that were overcrowded to other pots. They were really into putting the dirt into the pots, helping carry the pots, and make sure everything was watered. At least two of them have great interest and potential of working in this area.

2) The students learned about parts of plants. They learned the flower, leaf, stem, and petals. Then they drew, labeled, and colored their own flowers. They turned out great!

Why do these students work for some adults and not for others? Simple. If they don't have to, why would they? Just like any kid, these students test boundaries to see what they can and can't get away with. If you define your expectations and stick to them, then usually the student will try hard to meet your expectations.

So, remember that while working with our kids can be quite a challenge, it is worth it to remember what the goals are for that child and not lose or change your expectations. It is worth the challenge to be able to watch them try new things and make progress.

Techniques that can help make the transition to high expectations easier include: now and then charts, visual schedules, and having a predictable routine.

If you have questions about routines, visual schedules, or anything mentioned in my blogs, please email me @  theresaswinginthere@gmail.com

Growing Food

What better way to encourage our kids to eat healthy than to get them involved in growing their own fruits and veggies?

 Many individuals on the Autism Spectrum are on gluten free or other diets, or they are picky eaters and will only eat a few foods. When kids are engaged and invested in a garden, they are more likely to try the foods and to be excited about sharing them with their families.

Last Thursday our class started our own seeds using simple, everyday items. We simply wet a paper towel, put two seeds on the paper towel, folded it over twice, and put it in a Ziploc bag. We then placed the bags in the window sill.(Visual)

Today, when we opened the bags, the kids were amazed! Every bag had at least two sprouted seeds in it. They are very excited about planting their sprouts this week.

Our summer focus is Careers in Agriculture. There are so many hands on activities that include reading, math, science, and transition skills in this unit! It is awesome to see the kids excited about the day and what we will be doing. These activities prepare them for a possible job in agriculture or in the food industry. With these skills, they could go on to work at a green house, a plant nursery, farmer's market, or grocery store. We also work on general social skills that will help them in many situations.

I also help to instill in the students a love of eating healthy foods. This lesson will last a life time and impact their lives in many ways. Hopefully, at the end of the summer the students will take home happy, healthy plants to share with their families and to remind them to make good eating choices!

Careers and Transition

Summer is a time of fun and relaxation for many. However, this down time could be spent helping prepare your student for the future. What a great time to practice job skills and discover career interests. There are many things around the house you can do to begin this process. Engage your child in household chores, paying attention to what he enjoys and what skills he has. Try gardening, cooking, construction tasks, organization, etc. If the student is able, discuss these tasks and what he does and doesn't like about each one. Take notes and share your findings at his next IEP or transition team meeting. No one knows your child as well as you. Make your summer meaningful in two ways- career discovery and spending quality time with your child! Your child and his teacher will appreciate the skills gained over the summer!