Being different; Living with Autism | Parent-teacher partnership


Autism - an introduction
The characteristics
Variable features
Special (Savant) Abilities
Autism - a brief history
Explaining autism
Diagnosis
The Family
Education
a) Choosing schools
b) Classroom tips
c) parent-teacher

Education:
Parent-teacher partnership

Parents and teachers should work closely together to create the best learning environment for the child.

"We asked Jo’s teachers if there was anything we could do to help him improve his skills. We’ve got his multiplication tables pinned all round the house and recite them on car journeys." – Peter Marsden, parent of child with Asperger syndrome.

characteristics of autism: physically hyperactive or passive As parents know their child better than anyone else, it is important to work closely with them to help make the child’s education as successful as possible.

Get the parents acquainted with the child’s school timetable: The night before, parents can mentally prepare the child about the next day’s routine, such that the child knows what to expect. They can also make sure that the child has the necessary materials for school.

Correspond regularly: Parents are an invaluable source of information about the child’s behaviour outside school and vice versa. Together, parent and teacher can then work out strategies to best help the child.

Encourage learning at home: Suggest learning activities to the parents to encourage the child to develop new skills and strengthen concepts learnt at school. For example, a parent can use a shopping trip to teach the child money concepts or the use of math skills.

Citations:
[All the above parent/ teacher advice and quotes are adapted from The National Autistic Society (London)’s excellent booklet ‘Information on Autism and Asperger Syndrome for Schools’.]

References:

Blamires, M., Robertson, C., Blamires, J. (1997) Resource Materials for Teachers: Parent-Teacher Partnership - Practical Approaches to Meet Special Educational Needs. London: David Fulton Publishers.

The National Autistic Society. (199?) Information on Autism and Asperger Syndrome for Schools. London: The National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society. (1997) Timetable for autism – An overview of educating children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders. London: The National Autistic Society.

Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council. (1998) Asperger syndrome – practical strategies for the classroom: A teacher’s guide. London: The National Autistic Society.

Cumine, V., Leach, J., Stevenson, G. (1998) Resource Materials for Teachers: Asperger Syndrome – A Practical Guide for Teachers. London: David Fulton Publishers Ltd.