Some Things My Students with Autism Have Taught Me (part 2)
6. Changes in the sensory environment can be calming. An anxious child might relax when given a weighted vest, bounced on a therapy ball, or pushed on a swing. She might calm with soft lights, quiet music, and positive, supportive words.
7. “If you don’t learn the way I teach, I’ll teach the way you learn.” Dr. Dave Adamson taught me this at the University of Utah many years ago. And my students proved it true.
8. Parents of children with “invisible” disabilities are to be respected, not judged. That child having a meltdown in the grocery store might be overwhelmed by fluorescent lights, the sound of grocery carts, the presence of so many items. His schedule might have changed or the fruit section might have been moved from where it was last week. His mother might dread buying groceries because she knows she’ll hear comments such as, “If he were my child, I’d . . .”
9. People with autism have many gifts. They might focus totally on their interests and make discoveries that could change the world. They might not have the ability to tell a lie. They might love unconditionally.
10. It’s always better to be patient, kind, and loving. The louder you are, the quieter I will be.
Thank you, students. You are the teachers. Gracias, estudiantes. Uds. son los profesores.
6. Changes in the sensory environment can be calming. An anxious child might relax when given a weighted vest, bounced on a therapy ball, or pushed on a swing. She might calm with soft lights, quiet music, and positive, supportive words.
7. “If you don’t learn the way I teach, I’ll teach the way you learn.” Dr. Dave Adamson taught me this at the University of Utah many years ago. And my students proved it true.
8. Parents of children with “invisible” disabilities are to be respected, not judged. That child having a meltdown in the grocery store might be overwhelmed by fluorescent lights, the sound of grocery carts, the presence of so many items. His schedule might have changed or the fruit section might have been moved from where it was last week. His mother might dread buying groceries because she knows she’ll hear comments such as, “If he were my child, I’d . . .”
9. People with autism have many gifts. They might focus totally on their interests and make discoveries that could change the world. They might not have the ability to tell a lie. They might love unconditionally.
10. It’s always better to be patient, kind, and loving. The louder you are, the quieter I will be.
Thank you, students. You are the teachers. Gracias, estudiantes. Uds. son los profesores.
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