EPISODE 3:
Many autism families struggle with making the choice on inclusion in the school classroom. Is inclusion the right choice for your autistic child? Some children will really thrive in an inclusive setting, but inclusion may not always be the best choice. Inclusion may also work well for a period of time, but then become more difficult as the child grows older. Perhaps a child needing a specialized autism support classroom when they’re young, may mature to the point where inclusion is a great option.
In today’s episode, we’re speaking with educator Amanda Shepherd. She just so happens to also be an autism mom. Amanda has professional (and personal) experience surrounding the inclusion, school choice, therapy, and IEP topics. She’s really excited to come along side to support and help others in their journeys as well.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD AND YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT SHOULD HELP YOU FIND THE ANSWERS THAT YOU NEED:
School Related Questions
Every school district has a different level of commitment to and support for inclusion. In addition, different districts have different ideas about what inclusion looks like and for whom it is most appropriate. With that in mind, it's helpful to do the research required to answer these questions about your particular district and school.
Student Related Questions
Even if your district has a wide range of supports and resources for their students with special needs, your individual child might not be right for inclusion. Inclusive settings, particularly after grade two, tend to have 20+ children in a classroom with a single teacher. They often move from concept to concept quickly and may require children to respond instantly to teachers' questions or requests. Some children with autism (with or without support) can manage such settings; others find them extremely stressful. By answering these questions about your child, you'll have a better sense of whether inclusion is right for him or her.
CONCLUSION
The more you know about your district, your child, and your own tolerance for challenging school situations, the easier it will be for you to make a smart decision about your child's academic setting. Bear in mind that everything you decide today may change, as a new superintendent, new teachers, new classmates, or your child's new skills make inclusion more or less desirable.
References: https://www.verywellhealth.com
A Deep Dive into Medical Grade Probiotics
A Medical-grade Probiotic That is Working
Celebrating Certain Behaviors
Why Standardized School Tests Fail our Children on the Spectrum
Police Training and Book Series
Focused ABA Therapy with the Building Blocks Program
Rain, Rain Go Away
We‘re Finally Back! with Cameron Mills
Remarriage with a Child on the Spectrum
Behavioral Health Therapy for ASD
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Enhancing Lives for Families of Autism
Co-occurring Conditions in Autism
Exceptional Minds on the Autism Spectrum
CBD for Autism
Autism Isn't Black and White
A Conversation with my Son
Autism as a Stress Adaptation
Adjusting to a New Normal
Helping Families with Special Needs During the COVID-19 Crisis
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