Guest guest Posted January 4, 2004 Report Share Posted January 4, 2004 Could he be allowed to listen to a CD player with earphones? That might help. Maralee Lunch Room I am looking for ideas on how to handle problems my son is having in the cafeteria. He goes to a school where breakfast and lunch are both served at school. His behavior in the lunchroom has included spitting, sneezing on people's food, kicking other kids, mouthing off to the principal, etc. He is in danger of a suspension if it continues. I realize the cafeteria is totally a sensory overload kind of place with no sound softening adaptations in place, and that is why he is melting down on almost a daily basis there. I have a meeting with the principal next week and would like to have some suggestions. Things I have come up with are allowing him to sit alone at a table with a book while he eats, eating in the classroom if the teacher could allow this (I don't think its feasible), sitting in the office to eat (almost seems like a punishment), or using a reward/punishment system for appropriate lunchroom behavior. I can't imagine how hard it is for the poor kid to get through meals at school with all the pushing in line, talking, noise, etc. Yahoo! Groups Links · To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autism-aspergers/ · Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2004 Report Share Posted January 4, 2004 My middle son at 13 had emotional meltdowns in the lunchroom... we ended up allowing him to sit with the 'transition group'... they have front of line privilages *which decreased the pushing and shoving*, and he can sit with them and the aid they have during mealtime. They also get to leave the cafeteria early *save the RUSH of kids to the hallway at one time*. The noise level didn't both him once he KNEW there was a 'support' system right there at the table. Should he get anxious or start 'tic-ing' she would simple start talking about an interesting subject. Most of his issues were because of the close proximity of the other kids in line etc... he felt panicky and clumsy; then embarrassed. I would ask for a buddy system or aide...with time adjustment for early in and out. good luck, DES Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2004 Report Share Posted January 4, 2004 When you talk to the principal, make sure you get whatever you decided on in your IEP if you have one. If not, try to get one. He has right to sit either by himself, in a secluded area or at least on the end seat on a table. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 My son's school(s) have had special places for the " quiet kids " to sit at lunchtime. These are not necessarily quiet kids by nature, but those that need a less chaotic environment than the lunchroom. For the first six years, Tyler ate in a classroom, where each kid got to eat at a desk, and the room was set up so that the desks were bunched in fours, which meant that they could converse with those around them without feeling like they were in a larger group. It also gave him the feeling of belonging instead of feeling lost or needing to " stand out " as he did in the larger environment. His sixth grade year, he often went into the library and had lunch with the librarian, who then let him " help " her put books back, organize sections, tidy up etc. on days that he didn't feel like going outside with the rest of the kids. He alternated between that and the " rat pack " , who ate lunch in the counselor's room and then spent the rest of lunch playing various board and card games. All of it was voluntary and open to all the kids, so he didn't feel forced or " controlled'. He got to try the different environments and then was able to make choices about what he wanted/needed to do for the day, which has set him up well for this year (his first year of Jr. High). He has already made friends with his new librarian, has a new resource manager that has alternate activities for the kids that " don't feel like they quite fit with the rest' or " need something different " . He also has a school counselor that recognizes his needs and has given him suggestions and avenues in which he can get his individual needs met... Anyway, you may want to check with the school and see what is offered... Tyler's grade school had about 500 students (k-6th) and his Jr. High has about 2000 (7th and 8th), so it isn't a matter of size, just a matter of what the school is willing to do to meet the needs of their student population!!! You would be amazed how many kids besides ours need these alternate arrangements... It is good for many ADHD, ADD, OCD, BP, ASD, stressed, shy, traumatized, emotional, uncoordinated, overwhelmed, over-stimulated, lagging students that just need a smaller group in which to feel connected to and where they are cared about... Good luck!!! ~hugs~ Rabecca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.