How do I make sure that my 6 year old who was placed on the autism spectrum is treated like a nomal kid.?
156548
You have to stay on the school and the teachers. Let them know that you are a concerned parent. If your not there call them. They should have given you a parent rights book when they made that decision. I have a 16yr old brother with Aspergers.  A good site to get onfo also is http://www.autismtoday.com/index.asp. Remember dont let up. They will see that you want whats best for him, not any special treatment.
223319
As the parent of a special needs child I can tell you the other answers are right to a certian degree but my personal experience has been you need to do a lot of the legwork yourself. They do have to abide by best placement for spec ed which is not always in your home district but this will likely be something you have to find first. \n\nHere are somethings that worked for me getting my son best placement.This is assuming you have your testing done and an IEP or 504 plan in place. \n\nFirst call your district special ed coordinator make an appt to sit down and discuss your childs issues and what would be best for your situation some schools have excellent facilities for physically challenged but not mental some have awesome autism classes but not learning disabilities etc. There may also be theraputic day schools or residential schools that may be an option that you did not know about.\n\n After you figure out where your child should be ask for a meeting in writing and CC every one involved with your child principal teachers therapist (depending on your childs particular need) school district rep spec ed rep and make sure you also take in support for yourself. This might be a social worker advocate service coordinator of friend or if you need any variety of them.\n\n Present all of you documentation testing education plan doctors recommendations ect this will solidify why they should pay to tranfer your child to a different district.\n\nAnd as a last resort (one I have threatened but  never had to follow up on but say it like you did it) is to get an education atty to represent your child. If you need more info contact your state bar assc. or local legal aid office.\n\nYou do have rights as does your child and you may need to be harsh to get what you need but do not wait for them to act first it is so much better to be proactive your child is one of thousands to them and the best thing to do is keep yours in the forefront.\n\nGood luck!
809199
I have an autistic child in my daycare and have found this website to be a great resource for items within the daycare for children with disabilities:\n\nBe sure to check out their products, you may be surprised at how many you arleady have around or can easily make yourself for much less.\n\nhttp://www.superduperinc.com/
185275
Children with autism have a hard time communicating because they rarely understand the social functions of talking.  They imitate other people because that is the easiest way to say something.  The best thing to do is to enroll him in speech/language therapy or hire a private tutor.  With autism, he will be behind in a lot of things, but sometimes they can be smart at remembering things, math, or another language.
1149961
Talk to a developmental pediatrician about this.  My son has mild CP also, and saw a psychologist at age 2.  There are lots of "tests" they can do, even on a young child that can't verbalize as well as an older child.  \n\nAlso, make the visits fun.  Most doctors have stickers they will let the kids pick from or treasure chests.  Tell the nurses and doctors about his fear and see what they are willing to do to make the visits more cheerful.  I can understand if he's gotten lots of poking and prodding from the docs, then he will be anxious.  Maybe take him for a treat afterward, ice cream, a small toy, etc.  \n\nWhen my son has an especially difficult Physical Therapy session, I let him pick out a new Hot Wheel.  It's something they can look forward to and it may ease his anxiety.  \n\nI definitely wouldn't put a child that young on meds, even if the docs say it's ok.  Those can have long-lasting effects on a child much worse than the untreated anxiety would.  \n\nGood luck!
209883
Autism is diagnosed in children with the use of various testing instruments - each instrument is generally appropriate for children of different ages and communication ability. Some common tests include the CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), the ABC (Autism Behavior Checklist) and CARS (the Childhood Autism Rating Scale). \n\nI suspect that your physician has assessed your child with one or more of these instruments, and has referenced the "rating" that your child scored on the test.\n\nInterpretation of the number that you've reported would depend on the particular testing instrument that was used, so the best answer to your question can only come from a more detailed conversation with your doctor.\n\nYour doctor should be able to provide information to you in a manner that makes you feel that you completely understand the diagnosis, and you should feel comfortable that your doctor is going to serve as your best and most effective resource in understanding and responding to your child's diagnosis. If your doctor does not make you feel comfortable in asking questions, I would recommend that you seek out the advice of another doctor whose patient skills might be more conducive to your comfort and understanding. You will be your son's most important caregiver, and you can only help him thrive if you are thoroughly knowledgeable about his condition.\n\nVery best of luck and patience to you.
553534
My step son is 11 and he's autistic... mild and high functioning but he still has a lot of the autistic traits. My step daughter is 6 and we recently had her tested for autism since she was showing traits of autism as well. Come to find out, she's not autistic, she's emulating her brother. \n\nAny 3-year-old is going to pick up traits from those that he is around. If his issue is one merely of delayed speech, then he needs to be working with a speech therapist. I'm rather surprised that he is placed with autistic children as any health care or educational professional worth their salt knows that young children are extremely impressionable. \n\nHowever, if you have concerns of autistic behavior at all...and if your son has not been diagnosed by a psychologist who specializes in autism, then I would highly suggest you bite the bullet and have him evaluated... if nothing else for you peace of mind.
865122
You can contact local branches of the Autism Society of America and they can really help you.  Don't go with your doctors attitude, at age 3, even if it's not autim, but another sort of problem, he needs intervention.  The sooner the better.  My son is mildly autisic and for years I let the doctor convince me to give it time for him to catch up.  I waited a little too long (he was 4) and I regret not going with my instincts.
445417
Try the The West Midland Autistic Society, they have a school for autistic children based in Coddington, I worked there as an agency worker for over a year, it was kewl. If you wanna go Agency, try Beresford Blake Thomas on 0121 212 2292 and ask for Karen Skelding. They're based all over the UK and very help full. If you do go to Agency working, change over to self employed within them, you get a higher rate of your tax refunded to you. BBT should have a list of companies who do this. Feel Free to contact me if you need anymore info. I've been there and done it and loved it. Good Luck! :0)
142725
First of all, I think it is a great thing that he is currently being evaluated. Sounds like Aspergers is a possibility...in my opinion...but could be several other disorders.\nTo address his needs now...try to give him something to do with his hands (holding something, etc). Explaing 'personal space' by describing a 'bubble' that is around people. He may not enter someone elses bubble without their permission...but explain what he can do...shake hands, wave, hi-five. Try to remain positive and give lots of good feedback when he soes something desired...rather than lots of negative when he does something wrong. But, in order to do that you need to explain the 'rules' of what is appropriate more than once. You can even try coming up with a behavior modification system, (for example, stickers for each 10 minute period with positive behavior). I wish I could help more, but with a limited knowledge of the situation, this is the best I can do.\nOnce he is evaluated you will have the benefit of a team to work directly with him and possibly you to help him integrate into the classroom.\nGood Luck
1125506
Here's a wonderful website with some great ideas to try to get your Autistic child into a bedtime routine that he won't resist so strongly:\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/TheAutismHomePage/sleep.msnw\n\nhttp://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=367&a=3376\n\nBe patient, follow the set routine you establish after reading the above sites and talking with the family about what will work for you as a team, and stay strong!
1148867
I would say I was about  hmmm 5 or six when I started using words and such.  Most aspergers and autistics have trouble using body language and you say your child uses body language.  So far at four I would think he is closer to ADHD than autistic nor aspberger's.  My mother was quite concerned with me and took me to psychiatrists and other specialists on autism.  True the non-speech may point to autism but the body language and the hugs and kisses point strongly away from autism.  I really hope he starts speaking soon.  You wanted my e-mail no problem its canucksfan729@hotmail.com.
135648
Gina, you don't say where you live, so I'm not sure I can help, other than to suggest you go through the closest Children's Hospital and ask.  Most children's hospitals have such specialized staff and are so wonderful at working with all types of children's problems, I feel sure they have to have some Autism specialists on staff. If you were in my area I could probably make some recommendations, since we have an Autistic child, but not knowing the area we're talking about, that's about the best I can do. Good luck!  Just do some calling around.
229480
(Not to sound mean or rude but) Leave him alone, the fact of the matter is that many individuals on the spectrum are already overstimulated and thus prefere to live in their own worlds that make sense.  The world of human interaction is scary and it takes a long time to try and figure it out with a lot of trial and error (but only when the individual is ready otherwise you unintentionally harming him).  I was 20 years old before *directly* asking for anything, otherwise it was done by comparison or hand leading.  If you want to encrouage & facilitate communication introduce to "peg booards" to request what he wants or (better yet) teach him to use a computer.  He will not only thrive but be far happier if you let him do things his way (within reason of course!) rather then forcing him out of his world but speaking a lot.
179281
My personal experience has been it make my son act terrible it is way to stimulating for him which usually leads to bad behaviors I have to be very careful what I allow him to listen to.\n\nDo you have a 504 or IEP for your sons accommodations if you do you can ask that he be excused during that time. They can go to resource help in the office my son got to help the janitor with little jobs it just depends on your school and what you and your son are comfortable with when you approach them have a few things lined out that he could be doing instead and contrast what he has been doing in music class and how it is neither beneficial to him or the others to be there.\n\nBecause of the sensory issues with my son he cant go to the cafeteria or the gym and we had it written in his IEP\n\nIf I can help you in anyway please dont hesitate to contact me\n\nGood luck
230029
Hi you dont say where on the spectrum your son is. Autism manifest itself as differently as the kids do so as a parent of an autistic child here are my suggestions:\n\nTalk to the district special education coordinator they will tell you what schools have the best resources that will benifit your child. \n\nYou will also likely need to have your child tested to see where he is at academically this will help with where to place them in school. Many schools have classes designed for autistic kids with more routine less stimulation and more one on one time.\n\nIf you need accommodations you can get them in the form of a 504 plan that gives a mainstreamed child accommodations such as needs to record teaching to replay it have specail testing accommodations or a more formal IEP which gives you class placement and accommodations both.\n\nIf it is feasible you might also look into Montissori learning it is more expensive than public schools but often is very good for autism\n\nlast you might look into homeschooling there are many ways to do this and you can custom tailor cirriculm to meet your childs needs at any given time\n\nAutistic kids can learn but it is not on the typical childs time frame nor is it in the same way but they do learn even when it seems like they are not\n\nThere are many web sites that have lots of good ideas and you may have to try some different things before you find which is right for him\nGood luck
1119764
Here are some tips and suggestions that I hope will help you! I wish you all the best. Please keep in mind, as I'm sure you do, that not all children with autism are alike, and will have different needs. These are just guidelines, please consult an education professional who knows your child for the most accurate and relevant information for your family.\n\n- Recognize your child's strengths and interests and use these as opportunities for education (for example, if your child is very interested in Star Wars, you can teach math problems about Star Wars, make cleaning up into a game about Jedi powers, etc.) You never know when an interest may turn into a possible career option for the future (I recently read a book written by a man with Asperger's who made his childhood interest in "The Wizard of Oz" into seveal job opportunities! ["Demystifying the Autistic Experience" by William Stillman"]) (Source #1)\n\n- People with autism/Asperger's are often visual learners and learn well with pictures, charts, step-by-step written instructions, etc. (Source #1)\n\n- Consider reading books by authors with Autism/Asperger's (while these are often geared towards adults, I think they offer valuable information) Authors to consider include Temple Grandin, Edgar R. Schneider, Jerry Newport, Stephen Shore, and William Stillman (Source #1)\n\n- To motivate a child to use language, you could, for example if you know she wants juice, don't just give it to her becuase you know that's what she wants. Have her say, "juice," or if she is not ready for that yet, just the first sound of the word before you give her any juice. Gradually, very slowly, require him to say additional words such as, "want juice," then "want juice please," then "I want juice please, etc." before you give her the juice. Start with him requesting with one word for most of the things he wants (and keep this up for a long while), before starting to require sentences for any items. If you feel your child is not ready for this, please consider using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as an early step before implementing the above procedure. (Source #1)\n\n- Make clear and objective descriptions of the behaviors that are concerning you. Then, make some notes whenever the behavior occurs. You could make a chart with three columns: (A) What happens before the behavior, (B) What the behavior was, and (C) What happened after or as a result of the behavior. You may find that it gets her attention from adults, or that it gets her a time-out (maybe she is overwhelmed in the situation and wants to be removed). If you see a pattern from the information you collect, you could teach her other ways to get attention or whatever she is gaining from doing these behaviors. These could include, tapping someone on the shoulder, asking for attention, handing someone a card that says, "attention please" or "all done" (to get permission to leave an area), etc. Also, make sure that you are giving her praise or a reinforcer (something she likes) when he is engaging in positive behavior. \n\n- "Many children with autism are good at drawing, art and computer programming. These talent areas should be encouraged. I think there needs to be much more emphasis on developing the child's talents. Talents can be turned into skills that can be used for future employment." (Source #2)\n\n- "Teaching generalization is often a problem for children with autism. To teach a child to generalize the principle of not running across the street, it must be taught in many different locations. If he is taught in only one location, the child will think that the rule only applies to one specific place." (Source #2)\n\n- "I interpret language literally. It's very confusing for me when you say, 'Hold your horses, cowboy!' when what you really mean is 'Please stop