Reach out to K Parents in new class ?? | Autism PDD

Hello All,

I'm new to this forum...this is GREAT! I have a 5 1/2 year old son, Evan. We live in Indiana and I'm very grateful to say my experience here with our public school system has been good. I dragged my feet to admit that Evan was delayed in speech. His speech consisted mainly of echolalia until he was 3 1/2 years old. He was assessed by our First Steps program right before he turned 3, and aged out of the program. The school system assessed him at 3 yrs and 4 months...then re-assessed him at my prodding at 3 years and 10 months. He was placed in a special needs language class for 4 year olds. He was then placed into our Pre-K public school by that teacher which uses an "inclusion" classroom setting. We have to apply in a lottery system to see if he can continue onto this school next year for Kindergarten as it is out of our neighborhood district and he cannot be "placed" there, according to the schools principal.

My QUESTION to you all...(finally, I know) is....If Evan is placed in a mainstream classroom, which I'm pretty sure we've all agreed upon,, with which we've already determined must include a full time aide in the classroom. Should I reach out to the other parents and students, and inform them of Evan's diagnosis. Yes, I want to be able to educate people about Autism, and I want to help Evan be accepted by his peers as well. He is very high functioning, but has trouble with peer relationships, and self control issues...yelling, defiance at times, and is ADHD (Takes Focalin XR for this & works great). I also don't want people to think that I'm looking for "pity" for him either....because that's not what it would be about. This will be another new school for him..new teachers, and friends...or should we just ride it out and take it as it comes??

Thanks so much for your thoughts!

No, I would let them know and see about having information sent to them. Also doing some activities with the kids will help as well.

In my personal experience, I've always received a positive reaction when I've let others know about my son's condition. It's definitely not something I intend to keep secret, and the reality is, most the time parents know something's up if your child has a 1:1 aide. Wouldn't you rather tell them yourself than have them guessing?

Autism is right on the cusp of becoming a household word. The more we can remove the shame/secrecy from it, the greater chance we have of educating others and helping our children be accepted IMHO.

I too have always had a positive reaction when I've let others know. I've also found that by having the other mom's in the class know about C, they all keep an extra eye out for him on field trips, at birthday parties, etc. In Kindergarten there are many opportunities for parents to participate in class (class moms, class parties, field trips, mystery reader). I work full time so I only made it in 3 times this year but many SAHM are there all the time. They are going to notice something is up with your kid, and for privacy/confidentiality reasons the teacher can't tell the parent volunteers anything at all about any of the children. In my mind, every person that knows is one more person that can potentially help.

A funny note about the 1:1 aide... None of the parents in C's class realized he had an aide until I told them. I was at a birthday party hanging out in a circle of 5 - 6 moms and one commented how lucky they felt because the kids had a teacher's aide as well as a teacher and not all of the other classes had that. Another mom commented how her son always talks about how nice "Miss Cheryl" is to him. When I told them that "Miss Cheryl" was C's 1:1 aide and thats why she is there they were floored! One mom said that when she volunteered in class she noticed the aide tended to stick close to C, but she just thought that's because he needed the most help that day.

I would - I would be general about it nothing too specific...I think that has helped Payne b/c things that would normally surprise won't b/c you already know it and have passed it on as a possibility of it happening (ie meltdowns, calming tech/stimming)

E&eMOM,

I am mother of a boy 61/2 yrs PDD/ADHD Joey went to PreK special ed, 1/2 day K self contained & 1/2 day mainstreamed K reg ed. He is now fully mainstreamed with an aide(not personal but to help him and one other student) He is doing great the teacher is an old school q-tip that has a hard time understanding that some children not just my son benefit from Behavior Mod techniques or should I say up-to-date techniques like stickers, incentives, rewards, positive verbal feedback. Mind you I am a Special Ed Tcher so I am at heads with her to get her to do what she needs to do for my son. But to answer your question I would take any opportunity to discuss what you feel is appropriate for others to know, especially at meeetings, school functions. I sort of shunned away from birthday parties sometimes from school friends depending on where and when just for Joey's sake he still has issues with getting over excitied or stimulated. But definitely try and you may be surprised at some of the supports you may get. Good Luck

Nicole0805

We are facing the same situation, as Brandon will be entering mainstream Kindergarten in the fall (we're in Indiana, too). I am planning to be open about his diagnosis because I am afraid if the other kids are not given correct information about my son, they will start to come up with their own ideas about what might be "wrong" with him.

My son is in full day regular kindergarten, PA (he went to early interventiion and title one pre-k, too). He has a full time TSS, as with the other posters, my son's TSS helps Nico the most but also helps with the other kids, they all love her. I am fortunate enough to be across the hall with my client (I am a TSS) and have observed nothing but wonderful things going on and my TSS runs to get me when she sees my son finally playing socially with the others.

One thing to be sure of, and your aide can help you, is that the teacher is good for your child. I had to pull mine out of the inclusive kinder because teacher and my child did not match. It might be a good idea that you are going for the regular ed class because if your child is like mine, he will copy other behaviors (maybe not so good ones, we are already trying to combat unacceptable public behaviors).

I did not go into the class and "tell" everyone that Nico has PDD, but it comes up at parties or when I am in the class with other mom's-I want them to understand why my son is a bit "quircky". The kids kind of understand that Nico needs a "little" help and they are wonderful with that-more empathy is had by these little wonders. They younger the kids are the more accepting they are. They even draw spinning objects because my son has taught them, and they all like to be his helpers.

Also, be sure to meet with the new teacher before school starts. Have your child visit the class BEFORE school starts. PLease be sure to tell the teacher everything-from processing time, attention, sensory issues, bathroom, etc. I have been in the public school system, do not assume that all the teachers read diagnosis papers etc., meet when school starts (call even) music, art, gym teachers and fill them in/find out how your child is doing.

I hope this gives you a sense of hope, I can not believe what a wonderful year my son is having.When Sean started school. I did a letter for the kids to take home to the parents. I gave them my name and phone number if they had any questions. When Sean was in Grade 3 I went into the class and had a discussion group with the teacher and students. It was great for his peers. They got to ask any question they wanted. I found by doing this it helped them understand Sean more.

My son's Autism is no secret in my opinion.

It has opened doors for him!