tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post7561883494342748453..comments2024-03-28T05:52:50.399-04:00Comments on Autism with a side of fries : Things that still stingEileen Shaklee http://www.blogger.com/profile/04658354442888448425noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-34073151110403532742017-02-24T13:52:31.002-05:002017-02-24T13:52:31.002-05:00My daughter has Down Syndrome and was in a life sk...My daughter has Down Syndrome and was in a life skills class in her elementary school. The first year she was there, her class was not included in the school's annual Halloween parade with the rest of the school. I was livid and when I brought it up to the teacher she wrote it off that she was a new teacher to the school and didn't know about it. At the same school they had a Christmas concert where all the kids sing. Again the class was not included. I talked with the principal and the next time they were included, but we're Sat on the floor in front of the stage like dogs and given wooden sticks the knock together when told. We had another meeting with the teacher and principal after that, that lasted two HOURS,the teacher was HORRIBLE with the kids and showed them no warmth whatsoever. Because my daughter complained and cried every night that she didn't want to go to school the next day, we pulled her out of that school. Best decision ever. She had a very warm loving teacher who loved my daughter and sent her Christmas cards and letters every year when she retired and moved out of state. At the new school they WERE included in concerts. My daughter stood on stage with the rest of the kids and did her hand motions to the songs like the rest of the kids. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-84106863619670465712016-10-31T10:47:47.740-04:002016-10-31T10:47:47.740-04:00My daughter's middle school does a sixth grade...My daughter's middle school does a sixth grade camp every year. It's tradition. Every sixth grader goes.<br /><br />Every Sixth Grader.<br /><br />Can't afford it? They'll cover your cost. Don't have a sleeping bag? They have a stash of extras. Have an intellectual disorder which requires you to have a one on one aide at all times? Or Autism? No problem. <br /><br />I honestly didn't think my daughter was allowed to go. Then one of her teachers got a hold of me. "Oh, she HAS to go to camp! Everyone goes to camp!"<br /><br />I had reservations - who'll be with her? Who'll watch her? You know she needs lots of hygiene help? <br /><br />Teacher was all "No problem. I'll be there. As will other SpEd teachers and aides. The school nurse also goes and always bunks in our cabin. Now sign these forms so she can go to camp."<br /><br />So my daughter with moderate cognitive disabilities went to camp - a sleep away camp for three nights, four days. With the rest of the sixth graders.<br /><br />Because EVERY sixth grader went. No matter what.<br /><br />THAT is Inclusion.<br /><br />What you're dealing with is bullshit. Herding Catshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02253553331357396710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-83192629120839008642016-10-29T07:12:15.337-04:002016-10-29T07:12:15.337-04:00I relate to this one! It nearly tripped us up in ...I relate to this one! It nearly tripped us up in May, when the annual year 5 and 6 three day camp was on. Even before the end of year 4 she was talking about being "a big girl now and going to camp!" I should know by now that more thought was needed on this!<br />This wasn't just her SE class, but the whole school, so about 95% of the kids were mainstream neurotypicals. When all the forms were handed out, she didn't get one. What I got was a devastated daughter climbing out of the taxi. Thankfully her escort was on top of things and could tell me what happened, as she couldnt utter the words herself.<br />After calming her down enough for me to hear again, I rang her teacher. Over the next few days we worked out a way for me to attend the camp and go as her escort. This is when I realise what a great decision being a stay at home mum was!<br />If you're interested I detailed the whole thing in my blog in May, over three long posts LOL! http://trans-perger.blogspot.com.au<br />I hope it works out better for him next time.smaugehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14469665036342619608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-65250711384465951572016-10-29T00:37:20.876-04:002016-10-29T00:37:20.876-04:00I have a daughter with down syndrome and one year ...I have a daughter with down syndrome and one year her special needs class was not included in the school concerts. I talked to the principal and wanted them included the next time. Well next time came around and they "included" them by having them sit on the floor like dogs with sticks the bang together. I could not see any of them. I was livid! That year they also got "overlooked" going on the school Halloween parade around the school. The teacher claimed she was new and didn't know about it. My husband and I spent about two hours in the principal's office when my daughter cried every night that she was sick and didn't want to go to school. Something wasn't right with the teacher, so we switched schools. Best decision ever! Our daughter was much happier! She's 25 now, and in her last year in the school system. This all happened in elementary school. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-46567656015805279052016-10-28T11:06:32.860-04:002016-10-28T11:06:32.860-04:00My daughter only goes to school half days because ...My daughter only goes to school half days because the school said they didn't think she could handle a full day (even though she had been since PreK and is now a 4th grader), and has a one to one aide (always has). It feels like she's excluded to most things to me. Today for instance is the Halloween thing but it's at 2 and her day is over at 11:30. Field trips I am always willing to go on and help out, and have when they let me know about them. It's easily the hardest part of every school year and even harder this school year. Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16823542964196607142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-16581199109623941352016-10-28T10:23:30.477-04:002016-10-28T10:23:30.477-04:00That's just disgusting. How dare they ever use...That's just disgusting. How dare they ever use the word inclusion. They should discuss it with you. Even if hey can't find a way for him to go there should be a discussion and a sorry and an explanation to kiddo. He's not stupid he will know. If you can find the energy make THEM feel the shame not your son.Some days like you say there are bigger battles to fight. Alison Hornehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16310587055036924029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-55331162558442683702016-10-28T10:20:08.612-04:002016-10-28T10:20:08.612-04:00Nice example they set for his neurotypical classma...Nice example they set for his neurotypical classmates: "Hey kids, when someone's different/has challanges/has a tough time what do we do? That's right, we exclude him because God forbid we be nice and accepting and helpful." <br /><br />Anyone can raise money for a cause, it doesn't mean so much, as far as I'm concerned. It's actually doing what you're promoting that's hard and to be appreciated and it's where plenty fall short.<br /><br />I am sorry Kiddo. I hope one day these people will see their mistake and change their attitude. You deserved better. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16680442649067668947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-69987649040098310412016-10-28T09:42:41.685-04:002016-10-28T09:42:41.685-04:00Well this really ticks me off!! We have been lucky...Well this really ticks me off!! We have been lucky that we were always told when something was coming up and whether or not the school thought it would work, or what the options were when my daughter was still in district. I think that is the least they can do, after all you a member of the team. Sorry you are having such a tough transition. xoxoAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09107661365906909620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-2407349185762255892016-10-28T09:11:19.303-04:002016-10-28T09:11:19.303-04:00I totally relate. My son is in high school now and...I totally relate. My son is in high school now and is doing well. In middle school I decided I was going to push back - all sugar and spice, but assertive. I got permission to talk to the peer-to-peer support group, I showed up to volunteer at lunch (just to see what was going on), I got myself elected to the PTA board. I wrote very polite but pushy emails about field trips and extracurriculars, to make sure my son was included. When I was the middle school PTA president, I pushed for autism awareness activities that actually included and benefited students with autism. It wasn't hard to do - it mostly involved showing up and asking questions about my son's civil rights. The result was an easier transition to high school and my son doesn't sit alone at lunch anymore. He went to Homecoming with a lovely date. He's included in everything and he is happy.Francesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-13356814818222303252016-10-28T08:55:53.427-04:002016-10-28T08:55:53.427-04:00These things have happened to my kiddo too. I don...These things have happened to my kiddo too. I don't think I've ever even thought about them calling to explain why he wasn't included, just sad that he thought about. Or maybe he was thought about and the consensus was that they (staff) didn't want to 'deal' with it. Which is sadder?? Also, I am a special ed teacher, autism teacher to be exact, and I constantly have to beg borrow plead for info about the fun, extra stuff regular ed is doing. Each time, they brightly reply "of course! we are doing blah blah blah it's going to be so much fun!" And each time they rely the day before or sometimes even the day of......super helpful ladies! I will continue to be an advocate even when it's sad or overwhelming or annoying or any other emotion you can think of or even ones you can't. This life is a roller coaster but I don't think any of us would get off the ride :) teachasdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05386288789982138145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2644538309673050572.post-21385299233410784232016-10-28T08:37:05.208-04:002016-10-28T08:37:05.208-04:00Unfortunately, I can can totally relate!* Our son ...Unfortunately, I can can totally relate!* Our son was excluded from the Christmas program one year (like it's Broadway or something), it's so gut wrenching to read this. I always say prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. We all know what can go wrong, but imagine what amazing opportunities can occur if they go right!* It's devastating when staff members are a bigger obstacle, than the kids actual disability. Continue to fight for these inclusion opportunities.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13000190712942906152noreply@blogger.com