Re: advice dealing with teacher

[Guest guest]

Ann,

I don't know if I can be of help, but I do know that it is the

teacher's responsibility to set up a behavior managment program for

your son, especially when he has to deal with his disability. All

children need guidence and deserve the right to learn, and part of

that is going about it the right way. I am not an expert, but I am

learning to become a teacher and just became familiar with the rights

students with disabilities should have. I am pretty sure your son

should have something called and IEP or Individual Education Program

so that he has goals to work towards. This IEP is set up by a

colloborative team which should include you, the teacher, the student

(if possible), the nurse, some professionals (either a nurse or

administrator), and a gov't appointed agency. This is very important

and will help a lot I think. Try asking the teacher about and IEP,

because ALL children deserve the opportunity to learn.

Sincerely,

Dave

[Guest guest]

Ann,

I don't know if I can be of help, but I do know that it is the

teacher's responsibility to set up a behavior managment program for

your son, especially when he has to deal with his disability. All

children need guidence and deserve the right to learn, and part of

that is going about it the right way. I am not an expert, but I am

learning to become a teacher and just became familiar with the rights

students with disabilities should have. I am pretty sure your son

should have something called and IEP or Individual Education Program

so that he has goals to work towards. This IEP is set up by a

colloborative team which should include you, the teacher, the student

(if possible), the nurse, some professionals (either a nurse or

administrator), and a gov't appointed agency. This is very important

and will help a lot I think. Try asking the teacher about and IEP,

because ALL children deserve the opportunity to learn.

Sincerely,

Dave

[Guest guest]

Ann, I think you should speak with the principle or whom ever is in charge of the special ed classes. Your son is autistic and at times has no control of his behavior. Maybe the teacher is in the wrong field. This is not your fault or your sons. My three year old son with autism hits and climbs on furniture at school but the teacher understands his disability. Your son may know it's wrong to destroy books but at the time he is doing it he is probably so frustrated he has no control. I understand how you feel. Don't worry yourself. Your son had a bad day. We all know what that is like. As far as putting your son on meds I think it's your decision. If you feel he doesnt need them than don't. Especially because the teacher thinks one bad day is the cause of taking him off meds. And by the way even normal well behaved children have tough days and at times push other children around. I think your wise to try the Feingold program. I'm

sure it will help. I hope everything works out for you and your son. Hang in there! Diane:)jerzyannie@... wrote: I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From October to June we tried about four or five

different meds that worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his disability, if this was the case, she then seemed

angry and questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children being pushed around.I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet his needs when he's in school?Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is going to explode.I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I

definitely notice hyper behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a nutritional trigger.I'm just besides myself.Ann

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Ann, I think you should speak with the principle or whom ever is in charge of the special ed classes. Your son is autistic and at times has no control of his behavior. Maybe the teacher is in the wrong field. This is not your fault or your sons. My three year old son with autism hits and climbs on furniture at school but the teacher understands his disability. Your son may know it's wrong to destroy books but at the time he is doing it he is probably so frustrated he has no control. I understand how you feel. Don't worry yourself. Your son had a bad day. We all know what that is like. As far as putting your son on meds I think it's your decision. If you feel he doesnt need them than don't. Especially because the teacher thinks one bad day is the cause of taking him off meds. And by the way even normal well behaved children have tough days and at times push other children around. I think your wise to try the Feingold program. I'm

sure it will help. I hope everything works out for you and your son. Hang in there! Diane:)jerzyannie@... wrote: I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From October to June we tried about four or five

different meds that worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his disability, if this was the case, she then seemed

angry and questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children being pushed around.I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet his needs when he's in school?Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is going to explode.I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I

definitely notice hyper behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a nutritional trigger.I'm just besides myself.Ann

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann,

I truly feel for you. I have a 7yr with HFA also in a Second Grade

regular public classroom. It sounds like both you and the teacher

are at your wits end in not knowing what to do next. First, I'd

like to say that my son's behavior also goes alittle wacky when he

has a cold. There must be some chemical reaction that happens when

they get a cold. Especially when he has alot of congestion. His

sensory issues heighten (smell, taste, visuals of non-preferred

foods make him nauseous). Maybe if the teacher can target one

behavior at a time and document what happens before, during and

after that behavior to try and pinpoint the reason for your son's

behavior. It could be so many things but all definitely defined in

his disability of autism. She may feel more in control if she was

given specifics on how to deal with certain behaviors once they

happen. For example: He's hitting other children. (data shows,

he's trying to get their attention) Teach (prompt) the child to use

his words, (specifically, tell your son to say, " Hey , lets go

play " ) We find that when we give teachers and paras specific

procedures for specific behaviors it gives them more confidence of

the situation and did not make them feel helpless.

Finally, you may want to ask for an IEP meeting again with the

entire team and possibly training in what Autism is and how it

affects your childs, communication, behavior and social abilities or

lack thereof. Suggest or request a specific Behavior Plan that

everyone needs to follow so that everyone can be on the same page

and the child not be blamed for his disability.

Best of luck.

Grisel

-- In autism , <jerzyannie@...> wrote:

>

> I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the

class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and

she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class.

That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From

October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having

accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on

meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

>

> He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the

library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him

home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

>

> This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked

her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary and

was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he

allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can

get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " . She

then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children

being pushed around.

>

> I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors

were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He

is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean,

this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet

his needs when he's in school?

>

> Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force

me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

going to explode.

>

> I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper

behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce

off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

nutritional trigger.

> I'm just besides myself.

>

> Ann

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann,

I truly feel for you. I have a 7yr with HFA also in a Second Grade

regular public classroom. It sounds like both you and the teacher

are at your wits end in not knowing what to do next. First, I'd

like to say that my son's behavior also goes alittle wacky when he

has a cold. There must be some chemical reaction that happens when

they get a cold. Especially when he has alot of congestion. His

sensory issues heighten (smell, taste, visuals of non-preferred

foods make him nauseous). Maybe if the teacher can target one

behavior at a time and document what happens before, during and

after that behavior to try and pinpoint the reason for your son's

behavior. It could be so many things but all definitely defined in

his disability of autism. She may feel more in control if she was

given specifics on how to deal with certain behaviors once they

happen. For example: He's hitting other children. (data shows,

he's trying to get their attention) Teach (prompt) the child to use

his words, (specifically, tell your son to say, " Hey , lets go

play " ) We find that when we give teachers and paras specific

procedures for specific behaviors it gives them more confidence of

the situation and did not make them feel helpless.

Finally, you may want to ask for an IEP meeting again with the

entire team and possibly training in what Autism is and how it

affects your childs, communication, behavior and social abilities or

lack thereof. Suggest or request a specific Behavior Plan that

everyone needs to follow so that everyone can be on the same page

and the child not be blamed for his disability.

Best of luck.

Grisel

-- In autism , <jerzyannie@...> wrote:

>

> I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the

class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and

she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class.

That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From

October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having

accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on

meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

>

> He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the

library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him

home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

>

> This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked

her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary and

was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he

allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can

get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " . She

then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children

being pushed around.

>

> I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors

were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He

is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean,

this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet

his needs when he's in school?

>

> Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force

me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

going to explode.

>

> I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper

behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce

off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

nutritional trigger.

> I'm just besides myself.

>

> Ann

>

[Guest guest]

Ann, did you give your son any medication for his cold? Cold medicines make Karac crazy. We can't give him cold medicines at all. Please don't let the teacher bully you into putting your son on meds. Karac was high functioning until the school persuaded his mother to put him on meds, they have almost destroyed him Pat K

[Guest guest]

Ann, did you give your son any medication for his cold? Cold medicines make Karac crazy. We can't give him cold medicines at all. Please don't let the teacher bully you into putting your son on meds. Karac was high functioning until the school persuaded his mother to put him on meds, they have almost destroyed him Pat K

[Guest guest]

Ann,

My son is 10 years old. For the last 2 years the only " solution " my

son's teacher, school nurse and school admin had were " medicate " my

son. It was obvious they wrote him off and viewed him

as " hopeless " . I resisted their requests to medicate my son, but

went through all the same crap you are going through, crying in the

car etc. I posted questions to this list about different meds to try

and he had all sorts of behavior problems.

Fast forward 2 years. A new school, a new teacher, a new admin.

They give him work to do. He is challenged. They treat him with

respect. He has access. They help him work through behaviors.

Throw it all back at the teacher. She isn't doing her job and will

never be able to.

I have learned the hard way that at a school there are good guys and

bad guys. You just hope the good guys out number the bad guys. But

that usually isn't the case in special ed.

>

> I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the

class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and

she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class.

That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From

October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having

accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The teacher

just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on meds. She

seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

>

> He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the

library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him

home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

>

> This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked

her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary and

was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he

allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can

get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that ripping

books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the playground. I

told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I said how often

does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " . She then said, this

wasn't right and these are someone elses children being pushed around.

>

> I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I have

a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors were

out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He is in

the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just learning to

talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, this is

ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet his needs

when he's in school?

>

> Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force

me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is going

to explode.

>

> I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper

behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce off

walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a nutritional

trigger.

> I'm just besides myself.

>

> Ann

>

[Guest guest]

I've been reading all the posts regarding your situation and I'm sorry

but try as hard as I may, I just can't seem to help myself from saying

that it sounds like the teacher is the one with the behavioral issues,

not your child.

My .02.

Kat

[Guest guest]

Hello Ann, First I have to say that I have been lurking for some

time now. I am a teacher and I work with children with autism. I

have been working in the field of autism for some 12 years now. I

decided to join this group, as I wanted to gain a better perspective

from parents of children with autism. Your post is disturbing to

me, so I have decided to lurk no more and start to share.

Ok, you stated that he is in a classroom for children with autism.

Does the teacher know behavioral strategies? It does not sound like

she does. First of, when a parent comes up to me and asks me what

the antecedent / cause of a behavior is, I never tell them to ask

the child! Instead, I refer to my data sheets and talk to the

parent about what appears to be the antecedent or cause of the

behavior based on my ABC data or other behavioral data. In my

opinion, her response to you was both rude and ignorant!

Secondly, has she gathered any data(probably not) on his behavior

during library time? I currently have a student who melts down and

stiffens his body up when we walk into the library. After a few

visits to the library, data collection, and empathy on my part, I

have discovered that his behaviors are a result of sensory

overload. He is a child who loves letters and numbers and is

completely overwhelmed by all of the words, letters, books, etc. In

addition, I got on my knees last week and walked around the library

to see what he saw (he is a preschooler). WOW is it overwhelming.

I now have decided to desensitize him to the library. I walk him

down for library and he sits for 2 minutes after which time I praise

and reinforce him heavily and walk him back to the classroom.

YES...this is taking away my planning time but I am here for the

kids and I must do what I must do for the kids. We will slowly

increase the amount of time he stays in the library.

How ignorant of her to mention a suspension. ABSURD! Perhaps she

should be suspended for not knowing how to work with her

students, . Can you tell I am a bit sour when it comes to this? I

love what I do and I do what I love. Unfortunately, there are

people working with children with special needs who need not be,

people trading time for money. It is frustrating!

As far as medication, that is something you should do if you feel he

needs, not out of guilt from an incompentent teacher. I would

certainly talk with the principal and her supervisor, if her

supervisor in the special education department.

I hope that I helped. Thanks for letting me join in a share your

experiences with your lovely children!

Charlene

>

> I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the

class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and

she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class.

That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From

October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having

accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on

meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

>

> He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the

library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him

home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

>

> This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked

her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary and

was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he

allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can

get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " . She

then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children

being pushed around.

>

> I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors

were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He

is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean,

this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet

his needs when he's in school?

>

> Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force

me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

going to explode.

>

> I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper

behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce

off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

nutritional trigger.

> I'm just besides myself.

>

> Ann

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Ann, First I have to say that I have been lurking for some

time now. I am a teacher and I work with children with autism. I

have been working in the field of autism for some 12 years now. I

decided to join this group, as I wanted to gain a better perspective

from parents of children with autism. Your post is disturbing to

me, so I have decided to lurk no more and start to share.

Ok, you stated that he is in a classroom for children with autism.

Does the teacher know behavioral strategies? It does not sound like

she does. First of, when a parent comes up to me and asks me what

the antecedent / cause of a behavior is, I never tell them to ask

the child! Instead, I refer to my data sheets and talk to the

parent about what appears to be the antecedent or cause of the

behavior based on my ABC data or other behavioral data. In my

opinion, her response to you was both rude and ignorant!

Secondly, has she gathered any data(probably not) on his behavior

during library time? I currently have a student who melts down and

stiffens his body up when we walk into the library. After a few

visits to the library, data collection, and empathy on my part, I

have discovered that his behaviors are a result of sensory

overload. He is a child who loves letters and numbers and is

completely overwhelmed by all of the words, letters, books, etc. In

addition, I got on my knees last week and walked around the library

to see what he saw (he is a preschooler). WOW is it overwhelming.

I now have decided to desensitize him to the library. I walk him

down for library and he sits for 2 minutes after which time I praise

and reinforce him heavily and walk him back to the classroom.

YES...this is taking away my planning time but I am here for the

kids and I must do what I must do for the kids. We will slowly

increase the amount of time he stays in the library.

How ignorant of her to mention a suspension. ABSURD! Perhaps she

should be suspended for not knowing how to work with her

students, . Can you tell I am a bit sour when it comes to this? I

love what I do and I do what I love. Unfortunately, there are

people working with children with special needs who need not be,

people trading time for money. It is frustrating!

As far as medication, that is something you should do if you feel he

needs, not out of guilt from an incompentent teacher. I would

certainly talk with the principal and her supervisor, if her

supervisor in the special education department.

I hope that I helped. Thanks for letting me join in a share your

experiences with your lovely children!

Charlene

>

> I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the

class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and

she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class.

That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From

October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having

accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on

meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

>

> He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the

library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him

home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

>

> This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked

her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary and

was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he

allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can

get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " . She

then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children

being pushed around.

>

> I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors

were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He

is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean,

this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet

his needs when he's in school?

>

> Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force

me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

going to explode.

>

> I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper

behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce

off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

nutritional trigger.

> I'm just besides myself.

>

> Ann

>

[Guest guest]

Charlene, WOW!! I wish you was here!! Where are you from? I am from hagerstown Md. That was great advice. Thanks!! Lois Re: advice dealing with teacherHello Ann, First I have to say that I have been lurking for some time now. I am a teacher and I work with children with autism. I have been working in the field of autism for some 12 years now. I decided to join this group, as I wanted to gain a better perspective from parents of children with autism. Your post is disturbing to me, so I have decided to lurk no more and start to share.Ok, you stated that he is in a classroom for children with autism. Does the teacher know behavioral strategies? It does not sound like she does. First of, when a parent comes up to me and asks me what the antecedent / cause of a behavior is, I never tell them to ask the child! Instead, I refer to my data sheets and talk to the parent about what appears to be the antecedent or cause of the behavior based on my ABC data or other behavioral data. In my opinion, her response to you was both rude and ignorant!Secondly, has she gathered any data(probably not) on his behavior during library time? I currently have a student who melts down and stiffens his body up when we walk into the library. After a few visits to the library, data collection, and empathy on my part, I have discovered that his behaviors are a result of sensory overload. He is a child who loves letters and numbers and is completely overwhelmed by all of the words, letters, books, etc. In addition, I got on my knees last week and walked around the library to see what he saw (he is a preschooler). WOW is it overwhelming. I now have decided to desensitize him to the library. I walk him down for library and he sits for 2 minutes after which time I praise and reinforce him heavily and walk him back to the classroom. YES...this is taking away my planning time but I am here for the kids and I must do what I must do for the kids. We will slowly increase the amount of time he stays in the library. How ignorant of her to mention a suspension. ABSURD! Perhaps she should be suspended for not knowing how to work with her students, . Can you tell I am a bit sour when it comes to this? I love what I do and I do what I love. Unfortunately, there are people working with children with special needs who need not be, people trading time for money. It is frustrating!As far as medication, that is something you should do if you feel he needs, not out of guilt from an incompentent teacher. I would certainly talk with the principal and her supervisor, if her supervisor in the special education department.I hope that I helped. Thanks for letting me join in a share your experiences with your lovely children!Charlene >> I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From October to June we tried about four or five different meds that worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.> He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".> > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.> > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children being pushed around.> > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet his needs when he's in school?> > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is going to explode.> > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a nutritional trigger.> I'm just besides myself.> > Ann>

[Guest guest]

Charlene, WOW!! I wish you was here!! Where are you from? I am from hagerstown Md. That was great advice. Thanks!! Lois Re: advice dealing with teacherHello Ann, First I have to say that I have been lurking for some time now. I am a teacher and I work with children with autism. I have been working in the field of autism for some 12 years now. I decided to join this group, as I wanted to gain a better perspective from parents of children with autism. Your post is disturbing to me, so I have decided to lurk no more and start to share.Ok, you stated that he is in a classroom for children with autism. Does the teacher know behavioral strategies? It does not sound like she does. First of, when a parent comes up to me and asks me what the antecedent / cause of a behavior is, I never tell them to ask the child! Instead, I refer to my data sheets and talk to the parent about what appears to be the antecedent or cause of the behavior based on my ABC data or other behavioral data. In my opinion, her response to you was both rude and ignorant!Secondly, has she gathered any data(probably not) on his behavior during library time? I currently have a student who melts down and stiffens his body up when we walk into the library. After a few visits to the library, data collection, and empathy on my part, I have discovered that his behaviors are a result of sensory overload. He is a child who loves letters and numbers and is completely overwhelmed by all of the words, letters, books, etc. In addition, I got on my knees last week and walked around the library to see what he saw (he is a preschooler). WOW is it overwhelming. I now have decided to desensitize him to the library. I walk him down for library and he sits for 2 minutes after which time I praise and reinforce him heavily and walk him back to the classroom. YES...this is taking away my planning time but I am here for the kids and I must do what I must do for the kids. We will slowly increase the amount of time he stays in the library. How ignorant of her to mention a suspension. ABSURD! Perhaps she should be suspended for not knowing how to work with her students, . Can you tell I am a bit sour when it comes to this? I love what I do and I do what I love. Unfortunately, there are people working with children with special needs who need not be, people trading time for money. It is frustrating!As far as medication, that is something you should do if you feel he needs, not out of guilt from an incompentent teacher. I would certainly talk with the principal and her supervisor, if her supervisor in the special education department.I hope that I helped. Thanks for letting me join in a share your experiences with your lovely children!Charlene >> I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From October to June we tried about four or five different meds that worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.> He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".> > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.> > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children being pushed around.> > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet his needs when he's in school?> > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is going to explode.> > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a nutritional trigger.> I'm just besides myself.> > Ann>

[Guest guest]

Lois, I am from Damascus, MD. Your name sounds familiar. I was in

the autism program in MCPS for 3 years, a private school for 2

years, and now I work in the PEP program at MCPS. My advice was

from the heart. I truly love and believe in what I do.

Thanks so much.

Charlene

> >

> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

> First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is

the

> class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her

and

> she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting

class.

> That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds.

From

> October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

> worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was

having

> accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

> teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer

on

> meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

> >

> > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in

the

> library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept

him

> home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

> >

> > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I

asked

> her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

> don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary

and

> was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was

he

> allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he

can

> get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

> disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

> questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

> ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

> playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

> said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " .

She

> then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses

children

> being pushed around.

> >

> > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

> have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his

behaviors

> were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism.

He

> is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

> learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I

mean,

> this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and

meet

> his needs when he's in school?

> >

> > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to

guilt/force

> me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

> going to explode.

> >

> > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice

hyper

> behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him

bounce

> off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

> nutritional trigger.

> > I'm just besides myself.

> >

> > Ann

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Lois, I am from Damascus, MD. Your name sounds familiar. I was in

the autism program in MCPS for 3 years, a private school for 2

years, and now I work in the PEP program at MCPS. My advice was

from the heart. I truly love and believe in what I do.

Thanks so much.

Charlene

> >

> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

> First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is

the

> class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her

and

> she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting

class.

> That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds.

From

> October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

> worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was

having

> accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

> teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer

on

> meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

> >

> > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in

the

> library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept

him

> home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

> >

> > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I

asked

> her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

> don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary

and

> was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was

he

> allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he

can

> get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

> disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

> questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

> ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

> playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

> said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " .

She

> then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses

children

> being pushed around.

> >

> > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

> have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his

behaviors

> were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism.

He

> is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

> learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I

mean,

> this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and

meet

> his needs when he's in school?

> >

> > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to

guilt/force

> me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

> going to explode.

> >

> > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice

hyper

> behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him

bounce

> off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

> nutritional trigger.

> > I'm just besides myself.

> >

> > Ann

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, my son used to do those types of things too (still does but to a

lesser degree). I know this takes a lot of time, but I made a power

point presentation and made up a song that goes with it. Friends do

not hit, friends do not tantrum etc...( and clip are picture of

hitting) and include a slide for all the behaviors you want to

eliminate. Then also make slides with behaviors you want to

see...Friends play together, friends share etc... Then print out

and make a book. I did this and read it to him daily and his

teacher really saw a difference. You might read it to him just

before school and remind him to be a good friend. Just a thought.

> >

> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

> First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is

the

> class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and

> she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class.

> That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds.

From

> October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

> worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having

> accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

> teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on

> meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

> >

> > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in

the

> library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept

him

> home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

> >

> > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I

asked

> her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

> don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary

and

> was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he

> allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he

can

> get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

> disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

> questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

> ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

> playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

> said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " .

She

> then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children

> being pushed around.

> >

> > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

> have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his

behaviors

> were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism.

He

> is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

> learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I

mean,

> this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and

meet

> his needs when he's in school?

> >

> > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to

guilt/force

> me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

> going to explode.

> >

> > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper

> behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce

> off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

> nutritional trigger.

> > I'm just besides myself.

> >

> > Ann

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, my son used to do those types of things too (still does but to a

lesser degree). I know this takes a lot of time, but I made a power

point presentation and made up a song that goes with it. Friends do

not hit, friends do not tantrum etc...( and clip are picture of

hitting) and include a slide for all the behaviors you want to

eliminate. Then also make slides with behaviors you want to

see...Friends play together, friends share etc... Then print out

and make a book. I did this and read it to him daily and his

teacher really saw a difference. You might read it to him just

before school and remind him to be a good friend. Just a thought.

> >

> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a

> First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is

the

> class for " higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and

> she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class.

> That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds.

From

> October to June we tried about four or five different meds that

> worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having

> accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.

> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The

> teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on

> meds. She seemed surprised and said, " oh, he's being good " .

> >

> > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in

the

> library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept

him

> home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.

> >

> > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I

asked

> her what triggered the behaviors and she said " I don't know, why

> don't you ask him " . She said he was running around the libarary

and

> was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he

> allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he

can

> get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his

> disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and

> questioned me, " are you telling me he doesn't understand that

> ripping books is wrong " . She then said he pushed kids on the

> playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I

> said how often does this happen, and she said " Just Wednesday " .

She

> then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children

> being pushed around.

> >

> > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I

> have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his

behaviors

> were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism.

He

> is in the " autistic " class. He has apraxia and is really just

> learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I

mean,

> this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and

meet

> his needs when he's in school?

> >

> > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to

guilt/force

> me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is

> going to explode.

> >

> > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper

> behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce

> off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a

> nutritional trigger.

> > I'm just besides myself.

> >

> > Ann

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Charlene,

I ran the washington county ASa for 12 years here. Do you want to move up here and teach!!? haha! We need more teachers like you!! ((HUGS)) Lois

Re: advice dealing with teacher

Lois, I am from Damascus, MD. Your name sounds familiar. I was in the autism program in MCPS for 3 years, a private school for 2 years, and now I work in the PEP program at MCPS. My advice was from the heart. I truly love and believe in what I do.Thanks so much.Charlene> >> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a > First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the > class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and > she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. > That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From > October to June we tried about four or five different meds that > worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having > accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The > teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on > meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".> > > > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the > library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him > home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.> > > > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked > her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why > don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and > was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he > allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can > get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his > disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and > questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that > ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the > playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I > said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She > then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children > being pushed around.> > > > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I > have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors > were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He > is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just > learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, > this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet > his needs when he's in school?> > > > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force > me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is > going to explode.> > > > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper > behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce > off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a > nutritional trigger.> > I'm just besides myself.> > > > Ann> >>

[Guest guest]

Charlene,

I ran the washington county ASa for 12 years here. Do you want to move up here and teach!!? haha! We need more teachers like you!! ((HUGS)) Lois

Re: advice dealing with teacher

Lois, I am from Damascus, MD. Your name sounds familiar. I was in the autism program in MCPS for 3 years, a private school for 2 years, and now I work in the PEP program at MCPS. My advice was from the heart. I truly love and believe in what I do.Thanks so much.Charlene> >> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a > First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the > class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and > she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. > That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From > October to June we tried about four or five different meds that > worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having > accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The > teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on > meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".> > > > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the > library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him > home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.> > > > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked > her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why > don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and > was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he > allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can > get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his > disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and > questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that > ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the > playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I > said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She > then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children > being pushed around.> > > > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I > have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors > were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He > is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just > learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, > this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet > his needs when he's in school?> > > > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force > me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is > going to explode.> > > > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper > behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce > off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a > nutritional trigger.> > I'm just besides myself.> > > > Ann> >>

[Guest guest]

Excellent idea Tami.

Re: advice dealing with teacher

Hi, my son used to do those types of things too (still does but to a lesser degree). I know this takes a lot of time, but I made a power point presentation and made up a song that goes with it. Friends do not hit, friends do not tantrum etc...( and clip are picture of hitting) and include a slide for all the behaviors you want to eliminate. Then also make slides with behaviors you want to see...Friends play together, friends share etc... Then print out and make a book. I did this and read it to him daily and his teacher really saw a difference. You might read it to him just before school and remind him to be a good friend. Just a thought.> >> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a > First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the > class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and > she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. > That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From > October to June we tried about four or five different meds that > worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having > accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The > teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on > meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".> > > > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the > library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him > home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.> > > > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked > her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why > don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and > was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he > allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can > get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his > disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and > questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that > ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the > playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I > said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She > then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children > being pushed around.> > > > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I > have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors > were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He > is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just > learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, > this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet > his needs when he's in school?> > > > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force > me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is > going to explode.> > > > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper > behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce > off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a > nutritional trigger.> > I'm just besides myself.> > > > Ann> >>

[Guest guest]

Excellent idea Tami.

Re: advice dealing with teacher

Hi, my son used to do those types of things too (still does but to a lesser degree). I know this takes a lot of time, but I made a power point presentation and made up a song that goes with it. Friends do not hit, friends do not tantrum etc...( and clip are picture of hitting) and include a slide for all the behaviors you want to eliminate. Then also make slides with behaviors you want to see...Friends play together, friends share etc... Then print out and make a book. I did this and read it to him daily and his teacher really saw a difference. You might read it to him just before school and remind him to be a good friend. Just a thought.> >> > I have a 7 y/o with HFA. We live in South Florida. His is in a > First Grade Autism Class. There are several classes and this is the > class for "higher kids, Aspergers, pdd). Last year we had her and > she complained of him being hyper, not focusing, disrupting class. > That he is so smart if he could just focus. So we tried meds. From > October to June we tried about four or five different meds that > worked for a month and stopped, disrupted his sleep, he was having > accidents during the day, and changed his personality, etc.> > He had a great summer and beginning of the school year. The > teacher just found out, about 2 weeks ago that he was no longer on > meds. She seemed surprised and said, "oh, he's being good".> > > > He has a cold. Wednesday he was really off. Wouldn't listen in the > library, pushed kids on the playground. Could not focus. I kept him > home yesterday b/c of the congestion so he could rest.> > > > This morning while dropping him off I went to talk to her. I asked > her what triggered the behaviors and she said "I don't know, why > don't you ask him". She said he was running around the libarary and > was destroying books. I said, what was the consequence. Why was he > allowed to do this? She said he was sat in a chair. She said he can > get suspended for tearing books. I questioned her b/c of his > disability, if this was the case, she then seemed angry and > questioned me, "are you telling me he doesn't understand that > ripping books is wrong". She then said he pushed kids on the > playground. I told her that it was not an acceptable behavior. I > said how often does this happen, and she said "Just Wednesday". She > then said, this wasn't right and these are someone elses children > being pushed around.> > > > I just walked away, got into my car and broke down in tears. I > have a good kid. For some reason he had a bad day and his behaviors > were out of control. But to threaten me. He has a dx of autism. He > is in the "autistic" class. He has apraxia and is really just > learning to talk clearly now at age seven. He has an IEP. I mean, > this is ridiculous. Is it not her job to ensure he is safe and meet > his needs when he's in school?> > > > Using this excuse about how smart he is, I think is to guilt/force > me into putting him back on medications again. Ugh..my head is > going to explode.> > > > I'm just trying Feingold Program now. I definitely notice hyper > behavior from certain foods, colorings. Blue dyes make him bounce > off walls. So do hot dogs so I think, for him, there is a > nutritional trigger.> > I'm just besides myself.> > > > Ann> >>