Help - shadow/aide | Autism PDD

My son has had an aide ever since 1st grade, and it has been important for them to show him who's boss -- it's a fine line between meeting his needs and going easy on him. His aide taught him to zip his jacket, so he can be more independent. However, his aide and special ed teacher didn't prioritize giving him responsibility for his own pencil case, and just had a basket of supplies ready for him. This year I insisted that he have the same expectations as the other kids in regards to school supplies.

Here are the resources I've found about aides:

http://home.san.rr.com/autismnet/preshadow.html - an article by an autism mom, about how to shadow a child with autism

http://www.uvm.edu/~mgiangre/paraprofessional.html - includes links to various articles about the pros and cons of paraprofessionals

Good luck with everything.

After making myself a big pain in the butt and writing letters to everyone
including the state superintendent I just got a call that my ds will get a
shadow for the first few month of school to facilitate his transition.School
starts tomorrow. Last year I was told that he would get one but over the
summer I was told that since I have nothing in writing it is not going to
happen. Warning to everyone dealing with SD: If you do not get it in
writing it did not happen!!
Anway, I want to be sure that this does not turn into a case of 'be careful
what you ask for'. My ds has the ability to be pretty independent but he
loves adult attention and I do not want him to become dependent on the
1:1 attention. Does anyone know a link or source of information? Any
'this helped' or 'problems to avoid' stories from any of you? Thanks

Hopefully your aide will be well trained and aware of this issue - it is a common one for para's ( I was one long ago) There's a book called How to be a Para-Pro that is the workbook for all para's working with ASD kids in my area. She should be implementing strategies to enable your son to work independantly ie visual scheduals, time management skills, not just telling him to do his work. An excellent para will shadow your child, intervening only when needed, modelling social skills, not just doing he talking for your child.

I would prepare a Back and Forth Book (communication book) and send it with your child rather than wait for then to put one together. Make it easy for the para to fill in. I write a quick note every morn. letting my para know how Sam's doing, what's new, worries I have.

I would also put together a Student Profile booklet - info on your child that will make it easier for the para to bond with your child. I put in info about Sam's interests, strengths, weakness, special skills, tips for avoiding meltdowns, temperment.

Sam has had the same excellent para for 3 yrs now and we are truly blessed. I have noticed that Sam needs his para less and less. He has not become too dependant on her. The SD (and myself) believes if we give Sam full support now, in his first few years of school, he will have enough skills to become and independant student in the future.

I hope your son gets an excellent para-professional.

mama to Sam 8yrs PDD NOS OCD ODD PPD and Alex 2yrs

When my oldest son was your son's age, he had an aide in the classroom during 2 subjects. She was there simply to make sure he stayed on task and did his work. He stopped having an aide in 4th grade. For him, it was very helpful. He didn't become too dependent on her, but she was there when he needed her.