NEEDING INFORMATION ON AUTISM? QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

© Project ACCESS 2006

Q.  My student with autism would benefit from positive involvement with other teachers in our building. In two years he'll be moving to the next building and those teachers don't know him at all. How can I get other adults interested in him?

A.  You've asked a $64,000 question! This may take some work on your part, but most teachers and the child's parents feel it is worth it. One suggestion is to write and distribute a simple class newsletter. Most copy machines can copy black/white photos which keep your student's face familiar. Fill the newsletter with hints for dealing successfully with your student(s), along with upbeat stories.

Other teachers have written simple Hello! my name is...booklets which can be distributed to teachers in this building and next year's building. Keep these straight forward and include lists of reinforcers, disliked activities and things, the things which can cause problems, favorite people, etc.

Karen Cooper, from Pemiscot County, wrote an article for the high school newspaper which highlighted one of her students who participated in football. She thanked the coach and other players in such a way  that was not condescending to the young man with autism and praised the attitudes of everyone involved.

If you get the opportunity, have your class do routine jobs for other adults in the building such as copying, folding, stapling, cutting, pasting, getting supplies together, and assisting in setups and cleanups for events. Have a stamp or note made up which says something like Hand Delivered by Jeremy to put on the completed item or to be handed to the adult when the job is finished. Convince the music teacher or coach to allow one of your students to open a program. He or she could start the clock at the beginning to the game, ask the crowd  to be seated, flip the lights for attention, or thank everyone for coming at the close of a PTA meeting.

Thanks for your question!

Q.  I am getting a student with autism. Where can I get information?

A.   Project ACCESS is a good place to begin looking for information regarding autism. We have packets of information on frequently requested topics such as an Introduction to Autism, Parents Packet, High-functioning Autism, Sensory Integration, and Social Stories. ACCESS also has one page fact sheets on topics of high interest. Packets and fact sheets are available on line. 

Another place to call is the Developmental Disabilities Resources Center (DDRC) www.moddrc.com which is located at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This center provides free materials and a lending library on autism and other developmental disabilities. Call 800-444-0821 to reach this resource center.

The Autism Society of America (ASA) www.autism-society.org provides packets of information free. Email or call their hotline, 1-800-3AUTISM. Find out if there is a local chapter of the ASA in your area to network with parents and professionals. ASA sponsors an annual national autism conference.

Contact your Regional Center for Persons with Developmental Disabilities and speak to your regional Autism Project to find out what training and resources they can offer. Still another resource is INFORM, the Information Network for Missouri's Children with Special Needs (800-873-6623). MPACT, Missouri Parents Act located at 8301 State Line Rd. Suite 204; Kansas City, MO 64114 (800-743-7634 or local: 531-7070), specializes in advocacy issues, but also has a library of information on disability issues. www.ptimpact.com

Many people go to their local library for information on autism and come back with dated and incorrect materials. Be careful with sources that are over five years old. What we know about autism is changing so fast that many sources become quickly outdated.