To start things off, I thought I’d share a little about why I feel that autism and all that goes with it is important enough to blog about.
I’m an autism-focused special education teacher. It is my greatest joy, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with my students. It is my absolute dream job. One of things I love most about my work is that there are literally no two students with the same behaviors, interests, social, or communication skills.
I used to wonder why a puzzle piece was often used to represent autism. Once I had the opportunity to work with my first autistic student, however, it made perfect sense to me. This work really is like putting puzzles together. Amazing, living, growing, changing, and always learning puzzles. It makes my work fascinating.
It Was Love at First Sight
I teach in a high school extensive support needs (formerly referred to as mod/severe) classroom now. My students are all non-verbal and academically are at PK – 2nd grade levels. Prior to moving to high school 5 years ago though, I worked in early education. This is where I met my first autistic students. I was immediately drawn to each one of them. I can’t say for sure what it was about them, but I was hooked. I knew I had found my teaching focus.
My Passion and Focus
Two things I am particularly passionate about are sensory integration and supporting what many call “challenging behaviors”. We actually know, though, that all behaviors are forms of communication and the more intense the communication, the more excited I get about having a student in my classroom. My colleagues think I’m nuts, but I absolutely love the process of getting to know the student and figuring out what he is trying to tell us. In my experience, behaviors are generally sensory driven and once we figure out what a student’s sensory needs are we can support him to regulate enough to engage, participate, and learn. This truly is probably my favorite part of my work.
Lose the Label
Unfortunately, for many people, “challenging behaviors” are what they think of when they hear the word autism. Autistic children are often labeled and punished, and in some cases isolated, when what they really need is for us to stop and really look at and listen to the behaviors. When we do, we can help them shed the labels and join their peers. The parents of these children are often also labeled, judged, and isolated. This has to stop. Autism Awareness Day, or even Awareness Month isn’t enough. I am hopeful that one day soon, the general public will have enough information to support children and their families rather than judge and shun.
Stronger Together
In some areas of my work, I feel confident, like I know what I’m doing. In other areas, I feel a little less confident. I’m very fortunate to have a whole team of related service providers, the rest of the special education team here at my school, and most importantly, families to support my classroom and my growth as a teacher.
I will likely use this blog as a place to reflect, question, brainstorm, and wonder as I continue to gain the knowledge, understanding, and experience to create a classroom environment that supports my students’ growth and success. I hope that you will join me, sharing your thoughts, ideas, questions, and experiences.
