why are teacher's so negative towards children with asd ?

Rachael - posted on 04/17/2011

I have had both types of Teachers and Aides and certainly don't lump them in together when it comes to their ability to cope with a child on the spectrum in their class... So many other factors to consider... Support for the child in the classroom is a huge issue for these Teachers and there just isn't enough understanding of the impact our kids have in a classroom. Also some Teachers just shouldn't be Teachers and this goes for the Aides also... What training do they get to provide adequate learning experiences in their classrooms alongside typically developing kids? Prep time etc. I was invited to our Uni to talk to the "Teachers coming through the ranks this year" to explain from a parents prospective what we need from them and what we are looking for... I was told this is the first time this has happened - so many questions they had I could have stayed all day...!!! How great to have the opportunity to even have an idea on this level!!
I have moved Schools 4 times till I can say now that I am in the best place for my boy and have the most wonderful team of Teachers and Aides to support him and it is a Special Ed School! He couldn't be happier and is actually learning.....!!! I couldn't be happier and to those of you that aren't happy - look around, see what is out there! I fought going into this environment and now wish I had done it years ago... Its up to you to find the right "fit", they can't do it for themselves and so much can come out of finding the right placement for your child and staff that can support them, it is so worth it!!! I travel over 3 hours a day to drop my boy off and pick him up from this fantastic place and I hate driving, but would drive to the ends of the earth for the right place!!! Sometimes you can try everything, do all you can to try to make it work, but if it's not there, it's just not there!! There are wonderful Teachers and Aides out there, sometimes you just have to look harder!!

Sade - posted on 04/17/2011

My child's teacher is very good with my son. She had never dealt with an asd child. She has gone over and beyond the call of duty with my son. It really depends on the teacher. I find that the younger, fresher teachers are more willing to try non traditional ways to teach children. The ones who are set in their ways have difficulties. My son is only in Kindergarten right now but this year has been great.

I do, however know what you are talking about though. I had to put another teacher in her place just this past week. She stated that my child didn't "look" like anything was wrong with him and she thinks he knows what he is doing. At 5 years old she believes that he has decided to have sensory issues, that his lack of focus is intentional, and that all of the doctors, neurologist, and developmental assessment people are wrong.

As a parent, I've decided that I'm going to kill her with kindness and information instead of what I wanted to do. I did, however, tell her that she could keep her feelings and thoughts to herself if they were not productive or positive.

Amanda - posted on 04/17/2011

I'm a teacher and I have never felt nor acted negatively towards any student, NT or ADS. I can only speak for myself and say that it can get very frustrating when you have such large classes with students who are so diverse in their abilities. I teach Gr.4 and last year had a class with 33 students. THREE of which were on the ASD spectrum (one was non verbal, one who was extremly violent and one who was very high functioning). Only one of my exceptional kids had full time aid, the other two had 3 hours each. This is along with 1 student who could not read AT ALL, and two students who were doing Gr. 6 work. It can be the most rewarding, yet exhausting professions when you get such little help and have kids all over the place. Just make sure you are clear about your wants and expectations for your child during IEP meetings. For example, my high functioning student's parents did not want her knowing that the aid was there for her, wanted her sitting at the front of the class where I could easily redirect her quicker etc...

Tanya - posted on 04/15/2011

I am a COTA in the schools and I would agree that there are some that come across as less open to want to learn how to help a child with autism. they are all so unique and each one teaches you something else to add to your tool chest. They are amazing kids but you do have to be very open to try things that traditional old school methods would not agree with. Visual schedules, less verbal more visual, fidgets, first/then and 5 star systems, breaks, sensory input or ways to handle the overwhelmng stimuli flooding their nervous system are all things that seem to be successful. The IEP team is very important all member, including parent, teacher, spec ed teacher, OT, PT, speech, councelor, principal, assistant if needed. I am blessed to have an amazing job

Donna - posted on 04/15/2011

how old is your daughter ?

Stacy - posted on 04/14/2011

It's the individual, not teachers in general. DS has had 2 wonderful teachers who are very understanding. Ironically, the one we have the most trouble with is his current one - who has 15 years experience in spec ed but is teaching mainstream - and keeps commenting on how DS is making "poor choices" - as if stimming is a choice!

Theresa - posted on 04/14/2011

Most of my son's teachers have been great with him. He had a phenomenal spec ed teacher in elementary school. I would assume that your child has an IEP and a spec ed teacher (if not get her one). Talk to the spec ed teacher about a good teacher placement for next year. The spec ed teacher can be great that way. They know what teachers will work best with your child's needs. Good luck.

Mary - posted on 04/14/2011

I think that it depends i have experienced both side o this with my son starting off with a teacher who was great but now his teacher is ignorant...i guess it varies by person

Julianne - posted on 04/13/2011

its not fair to group all teachers together like that. my daughter has asd and has been in school for 3 years now with wonderful teachers each year. i work hard with them to put together a goo IEP and then meet with them weekly for a check up on katie and what we might need to work on to help her succeed the next week. They have gone above and beyond with her and she has thrived. Meet with the school and discuss what you think your child needs and what the teachers think she might need and make a plan. then be sure you are helping your child to succeed as well. meet with the teachers, take your childs stories with a grain of salt cause they like to make themselves look good, and go in with a positive attitude. makes a world of difference

Christy - posted on 04/13/2011

My daughter was just diagnosed a week ago, so I am new to everything, but I feel your pain! My daughter's teacher and student teacher, have been very negative with her the entire year! When I got the diagnosis I informed the teacher and she said that both teachers didn't feel that my daughter has Aspergers. Just this week I had to send a note to the teacher because I don't feel she is being treated appropriately and it feels that the teachers can't handle her, nor know how to best help her. The teacher has even yelled at my daughter in front of the entire class to shut up!! I have had enough with these teachers and am meeting with them, the school principal and the school psychologist! Something has to be done.
I truly think they are negative because they have no idea how to help the kids. They don't know anything about autism or special needs kids.