social questions to ask students with autism

#Social questions to ask students with autism how to#
#Social questions to ask students with autism plus#

Switching teachers is usually not an option. Personalities can clash and teaching/learning styles may not match. It helps knowing what to expect during the period or day ahead.Īs with every student, there are teachers that I have absolutely loved, and some that I haven’t gotten along with. This allows me to get back to learning much faster than being forced to sit in my seat when I’m upset! Finally, regardless of which grade I’ve been in, having a schedule for the class posted on the board is very important. When I am upset, or having trouble concentrating, I like to take a quick break to walk to the bathroom, and settle myself back down. Getting my questions answered does a lot to lessen my anxiety.Īnother thing that teachers can do to help students with autism is to allow them to take a break when needed, as long as this privilege is not abused.

But, if I do need to ask questions, please don’t get annoyed or upset if I ask “too many” questions. Shorter sentences are easier to understand than long ones. I like teachers that can explain concepts really well so I do not have to reread or ask too many questions during a lecture.

When they do, I feel like they really care enough to find out how to best teach me and that makes me feel important. Also, I am always very impressed when teachers have “studied up” on me and know the goals and accommodations in my IEP. It’s always great to have a nice conversation with a teacher! I get extra help with my school work and I feel closer and more understood by my teachers. Starting in sixth grade and even now, I sometimes have nothing to do during lunch, so I sit in a teacher’s classroom. I always loved when teachers took time to talk with me alone, not only during class, but on the playground or in the classroom during lunchtime.

Knowing this, there are certain things that I have realized throughout my years as a student that teachers do well and also what they can work on. The purpose of this story: Even the best teachers make mistakes! The coach felt so badly afterwards and apologized over and over again to me and my parents, and even came to my house to meet with me personally to talk about this further. The coach’s jaw dropped and the coach was speechless, realizing what happened. The coach, in front of a few students, got frustrated and said “What are you, autistic?” I was getting confused and overwhelmed and started having trouble telling my left from my right. One day about halfway through class, I was working very hard, but the pace of things was starting to go too fast.

This coach was very respected, honest, caring, and kind I was pushed me to the best of my abilities plus a little bit more. Quick background story: For the privacy of the people involved, I am not going to mention any names. To all of the wonderful educators that have taught me: thank you for making my school life better! I have been so lucky to have such wonderful teachers in my life through elementary, middle, and the beginning of high school.

This blog post is by Ethan Hirschberg, a teenager with autism.You can read more from Ethan on his blog or on Facebook thejourneythroughautism!

#Social questions to ask students with autism how to#

#Social questions to ask students with autism plus#