My mates son has ASD ( Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and although extremely high functioning he has severe problems coping within a mainstream setting...not only does he suffer but the school just can not manage his behaviour.
She was called into school today and the head excluded her son because the teaching staff had refused to teach him without there being an additional member of staff in the classroom to manage his behaviour.
We arent talking fisty cuffs from a 14 year old 6 footer...my mates son is 6! His "bad behaviour" - stimming!
For those who dont know, stimming is a word used to describe repetitive bodily actions. In J's case he flicks his fingers in front of his eyes when he gets stressy....he does it over and over again whilst rocking gently until he calms himself down.
My mates son...well when he stims he rocks back and forth and hums loudly - (humming creates a "white noise" which blocks out background sound to help the hummer concentrate)....so my mates boy is out of school because the teachers couldnt cope with his rocking and humming...actions he has no control over.
Poor wee man is outta school and now the battle begins! Having been through similar with J and ending up in court to get the battle won, Im all geared up to help her fight the longest, hardest battle she will ever face.
Her son so obviously needs access to specialised teaching....how else is he going to grow, develop and reach his full potential??
Im not knocking mainstream teachers at all...infact Im full of admiration for them because I could not do their job at all.
The problem lies with this insane Inclusion policy...Ok it works for some kids but for others its like plonking a martian in the playground and telling it to be friends with everyone, understand the underwritten social rules of life Oh and be normal...how can it be when Mr Alien doesnt understand what normal is???
I blame central governments, the LEA's and bloomin number 10...education, education, education....my arrrrrrsssseeee!
Money should not come first....but it does!
Rant over! Put the soapbox away and breatheeeeeee....arrrr thats better!
My J...well we were told "he wouldnt ever amount to much"...actual words used by the Specialist at the local hossie...nice chap...NOT!
Well Mr Knowsnaffallaboutautism....how about this.....
J came home from school today carrying a box.
He opens up the box to show Mama whats inside....
My J can play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the Accordian....Ive never cried so much in my life.....tears of sheer happiness...my boy is doing just fine.
Look at the concentration on his face!
Laterz hunniez. xxx
5 comments:
Couldn't agree with you more Tracie. The inclusion policy is pants to say the least. Whilst inclusion works for kids with some problems, it is just a total disaster for others. AND the other kids in the class suffer too while the teacher is trying to deal with one or two children's behaviour and ignoring 20 or even 30 something other children who are also finding it difficult to learn.
Specialist teachers who completely understand all the issues and who can work with small groups in lessons that apply to the child's needs and stimulate them...now call me daft, but doesn't THAT make more sense????
Chuh.
Oh. I haven't forgotten your book btw. It's sitting on the windowsill waiting for me to shove it in a postbox. Been a bit busy with a retreat (LOL). Will send it this week :D
Oh Tracie thats just so awful for him to be treated like that, its just a complete injustice for the poor lad.
Its is good that you'll be around for your mate to help her through this though, and remind her how far your J has come with the right support care and love when so called specialists wanted you to stop hopeing.
Its just so wrong :(
Aw Tracie how frustrating for your friend. I'm sure you'll be a huge support for her.
And J! Woo Hoo! What an awesome instrument to be playing ... looks so cool ... Get your ma and pa to do some morris dancing while you squuueeeeezee!!
So sorry to hear about your friends son Tracie. I hope she kicks serious amounts of butt.
Fabulous achievement J! Whoo-hoo!!! Axx
Hi there, I found you through rhi's blog by way of cindy's blog.
I found this to be a very interesting post. When we were kids in the late 60's, early 70's, my older sister was considered to be ok to go to a normal school.
She is intellectually handicapped. We also came from a very abusive household so she had a lot of emotional problems too.
This poor girl was frequently thrown out of the classroom because the teacher could'nt cope with her. I'd walk past and see her sitting there crying. It broke my heart.
No-one told my mother she belonged in a special school though it should have been blatantly obvious.
Consequently, not only was her home life hell but her school life was too.
Not enough funding is what they call it here in Australia. Bollocks. If there are countries in the world that can provide FREE education then surely we can provide the RIGHT education.
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