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Special Educational Needs workers hangout thread!

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Merrymonkey: I love the pretend bites! I have one client who bites but he is very young and easy to redirect. Another one have some pretty severe Self-Injurious Behaviors so that is quite the challenge, but I adore him he really is special. Oh and congrats on your class inspection that''s awesome!

KimberlyH: Yes I think my biggest challenge right now is altering the way I speak/think. I get frustrated with myself that everything I do isn''t perfect but it takes some time to change old habits (even stupid ones like asking instead of telling the child to do something).

Asscherisme: Oh I hope I didn''t offend. I''m very new to working with children with Autism, but I do know that like all children, no two are alike. I have 6 clients that I work with 1:1 about 4-8 hours each per week and I can tell you none of them are alike. I have a good mix: 3 boys/3 girls. Half are nonverbal, half are verbal. They range from age 2-8. And they are all so different. But what I was refering to with the books was my adjustment to these behaviors that are very different than what I am used to.

Gwen- Sorry you were attacked. What a great start. Ouch! Yes I think "Children with Autism" is definitely the way to go. Although I''m sure I have been guilty about saying it the other way at times (not sure if it''s slipped in that way in my former posts). Mostly because forever that was how it was said. I think of myself as a pretty PC person but sometimes things slip out especially if I wasn''t trying to be insulting. What gets on my nerves is when people mention the diagnosis when it is irrelevant to the story. Like when someone is talking about a friend''s son''s hair or something. Like "Joe''s Autistic son''s hair is curly too." It''s like okay, what does Autism have to do with his hair?
 
I tell you something, I shall be VERY glad when this week is over.

Between OFSTED, Parent''s evening, Creche and staff bitching I am utterly exhausted and ready for a long lie in.
 
I work in New York State where "people first" language was signed into law awhile back, here it is always a child diagnosed with Autism, not an autistic child...
 
Gwen!!! Gosh, I hope you don''t have to put up with abuse like that continually. That is not acceptable!
 
So here''s a silly question for my fellow special ed workers: what do you guys wear to work?
I tend to wear jeans or khakis and layers for the top, usually a tank top with another shirt or a blazer. But I always feel so dowdy and messy when I wear my work outfits. It''s hard because we can''t dress up (ie., dress, heels, good shirts, etc) because we''re crawling on the floor with our students. Anyone have any outfit ideas for me? I looked at some stuff on jcrew but I don''t want to spend $200 on a pair of pants that is going to get all dirty from floortime!
Also, what shoes do you wear? I wear flip flops in the summer but now that it''s getting colder I''m switching to flats.
 
Gwen, although my M.Ed isn''t in SPED we talked a lot about students with special needs throughout my program. Child first language was very much emphasized. I am the first to agree with the sentiment, but do unintentionally use the reverse language on occasion. The topic reminded me of a child/family who I''m very close to (the one I babysit for). She took her son in to meet a new therapist who attributed everything he did to his diagnosis, instead of seeing him as a whole child (he hugged her and she automatically chalked it up to task avoidance, the kid is just a little love bug); you can bet the mom never went back. While it''s so important to understand the traits children associated with any sort of diagnosed special need may have to work with them successfully, they are absolutely individuals first.

I''m so sorry you were attacked. I will never forget the first time that happened to me (I''m sure this wasn''t the first time for you, it just brought back the memory); I was bit by a child and absolutely stunned. I''ve become more accustomed to it, but since I''m pregnant I am much more careful about working with the children who are known to be violent. There is one in particular who attends both the school where I substitute frequently and the after school program I work for, and his violence is targeted at several students and a few adults, I happen to be one of them. I do my best to hand him off to an adult he doesn''t target when I know we may have an issues because he needs corrected and won''t take kindly to it.

Merry, glad the week is over! Hope next week is better. I struggle with teachers whining too. I feel so lucky to get to do my job, I don''t like hearing teachers complain.

Chia, I wish I had some suggestions for you, but I tend to go to work looking a bit less than professional; sandals, bermuda shorts, capris, t-shirts and such are my standard dress when I work SPED. It''s the nature of the job. I tend to dress up more in general ed simply because it''s not such a physical job.
 
Date: 9/18/2009 10:07:59 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Gwen!!! Gosh, I hope you don''t have to put up with abuse like that continually. That is not acceptable!
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Sad to say, but I do, actually. Often it comes down to reading the student and seeing that she''s about to lash out and be violent, and I''d rather keep my students out of harm''s way because they are already very vulnerable and it''s my job to protect them. Unfortunately, that means a lot of the time that I get hurt, since she is a large child and very strong; there is little to be done when she decides to lash out, and often becomes violent from no obvious triggers--she''ll be sweet as pie and smiling and laughing with you one second, and the next she''ll be slapping you across the face, spitting in your eye or kicking you in the shins. The administration doesn''t know what to do with her, and neither do her parents (they spoil her rotten at home in hopes of keeping her happy, but she lashes out at them too). When I report the attacks, the response is usually a shrug of the shoulders because they''re all used to it, which is highly frustrating...especially since school policy is to send a student home when they attack or verbally abuse a teacher (after one time--there have been days when this student has attacked over 5 times and nothing is done). But not this student--she doesn''t get sent home because she does it too often. (?!?!) So...they''re basically saying it''s ok for her to do what she does.

I have been teaching for over 10 years, and last year (my first year at this job, at this school) was the first time I was physically assaulted. I have been slapped, kicked, pushed, my feet stomped on, my butt spanked, my boobs grabbed, my shirt pulled up, my hair pulled, my lip split, been spat at and had my thumb sprained.

My class is lovely, my students are (deep down) really good kids, and I love teaching them. But it is difficult to do my job when my students are allowed to beat me up without major consequences and/or support to address the underlying reasons for her behaviour, y''know? The other student who used to attack me was put into another school. I hope that happens in this case, but I''m not holding my breath since the people in charge seem to be content to let things just stay as they are.
 
Date: 9/19/2009 6:58:24 PM
Author: KimberlyH
Gwen, although my M.Ed isn''t in SPED we talked a lot about students with special needs throughout my program. Child first language was very much emphasized. I am the first to agree with the sentiment, but do unintentionally use the reverse language on occasion. The topic reminded me of a child/family who I''m very close to (the one I babysit for). She took her son in to meet a new therapist who attributed everything he did to his diagnosis, instead of seeing him as a whole child (he hugged her and she automatically chalked it up to task avoidance, the kid is just a little love bug); you can bet the mom never went back. While it''s so important to understand the traits children associated with any sort of diagnosed special need may have to work with them successfully, they are absolutely individuals first.


I''m so sorry you were attacked. I will never forget the first time that happened to me (I''m sure this wasn''t the first time for you, it just brought back the memory); I was bit by a child and absolutely stunned. I''ve become more accustomed to it, but since I''m pregnant I am much more careful about working with the children who are known to be violent. There is one in particular who attends both the school where I substitute frequently and the after school program I work for, and his violence is targeted at several students and a few adults, I happen to be one of them. I do my best to hand him off to an adult he doesn''t target when I know we may have an issues because he needs corrected and won''t take kindly to it.
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Awww, Kimberly, that therapist of your friend''s sounds awful! So glad they didn''t waste their time with her. It''s so sad when people forget that kids are kids, first and foremost. And that little guy sounds like such a sweetie!

Wow, Kimberly, I can''t imagine doing this job while pregnant. I am glad you are able to take precautions to keep yourself and your baby safe. Half the times I have been kicked have been in the stomach, making me think once or twice that I can''t imagine doing my job while pregnant. Please take good, good care of yourself and be overly careful!
 
In case you guys didn''t see the thread I just started, please take a look at this! It''s such a sweet story of a young man with Down Syndrome....
Link
 
Date: 9/20/2009 6:07:41 AM
Author: gwendolyn

Date: 9/19/2009 6:58:24 PM
Author: KimberlyH
Gwen, although my M.Ed isn''t in SPED we talked a lot about students with special needs throughout my program. Child first language was very much emphasized. I am the first to agree with the sentiment, but do unintentionally use the reverse language on occasion. The topic reminded me of a child/family who I''m very close to (the one I babysit for). She took her son in to meet a new therapist who attributed everything he did to his diagnosis, instead of seeing him as a whole child (he hugged her and she automatically chalked it up to task avoidance, the kid is just a little love bug); you can bet the mom never went back. While it''s so important to understand the traits children associated with any sort of diagnosed special need may have to work with them successfully, they are absolutely individuals first.


I''m so sorry you were attacked. I will never forget the first time that happened to me (I''m sure this wasn''t the first time for you, it just brought back the memory); I was bit by a child and absolutely stunned. I''ve become more accustomed to it, but since I''m pregnant I am much more careful about working with the children who are known to be violent. There is one in particular who attends both the school where I substitute frequently and the after school program I work for, and his violence is targeted at several students and a few adults, I happen to be one of them. I do my best to hand him off to an adult he doesn''t target when I know we may have an issues because he needs corrected and won''t take kindly to it.
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Awww, Kimberly, that therapist of your friend''s sounds awful! So glad they didn''t waste their time with her. It''s so sad when people forget that kids are kids, first and foremost. And that little guy sounds like such a sweetie!

Wow, Kimberly, I can''t imagine doing this job while pregnant. I am glad you are able to take precautions to keep yourself and your baby safe. Half the times I have been kicked have been in the stomach, making me think once or twice that I can''t imagine doing my job while pregnant. Please take good, good care of yourself and be overly careful!
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The therapist was a bit nutty. A is very lucky to have a mom so in tune to his needs. It breaks my heart a bit though, because for every child like him, who has amazing advocates in his parents/guardians there are 5 who don''t. I think that''s one of the hardest parts of teaching in general, no matter what population we''re talking about.

As for being pregnant, for the most part it''s not so difficult, it''s just a matter of being aware of what''s going on and taking precautions. Because I''m a substitute I don''t have to work in certain classrooms, and there are rooms I won''t work in (particularly the younger kids, as they tend to have less impulse control). I''ve been attacked a few times since the start of my pregnancy keeping my stomach protected hasn''t been an issue. Thanks for the kind words, and I will continue to take extra precautions.
 
Gwen - Only today we had to deal with an act of agression. One of our TA''s had to go home as she was so upset. She got a great big slap in the face from one of our children with Autism. She''s a strong girl too, and caught my colleague completely unawares. She has only been working as a TA for a year now after being in the school office for years proir to that. She''s dealt with challenging behaviours, heck, our school is full of them. But today was the first time someone has really lashed out at her like that and she was SO upset.

To me it is water off a duck''s back usually as in one of the previous special schools I was targeted daily. Pretty much all the violent behavior you described, I was the "victim" of. Being punched in the face, slapped, kicked, hair pulled, tripped over, groped inappropriately, having scissors, chairs etc thrown at me. It was hellish. But yeah, every now and again in this school, it will sometimes catch you off guard and be upsetting.

This school isn''t a fraction as bad as that school was. The worst I have had at this school, funnily enough from the same girl that hurt my colleague today, is a few slaps in the face (yeah they STING!!!) and a few bites that have bruised me and a bit of pushing and shoving. Oh, and a scratch to the back of my leg from a girl with SHARP nails. I still have a scar from before summer from that.

KIM- In answer to your work attire question...I wear jeans usually with black vest tops and jumper/s cardigans. I try to make my top half look semi smart but comfortable. Usually clothes I don''t mind getting paint etc on them though. Footwear wise I wear my skate shoes. Ultra comfy. Etnies and Vans all the way.
 
Out of curiosity, MM, why did you put "victim" in quotes?

Had my class alone today as my assistant had to go to the hospital for a concussion last night when our most violent student smashed the edge of the classroom door into the back of her head. Lost all my planning again this week, covered two classes this afternoon, and had to tolerate racial slurs from a student. Fun, fun, fun.
 
Gwen - When I signed the contract for the job I was fully aware that the children were capable and more than likely to carry out acts of aggression/violence towards me. Targets of such assault are victims. However, because I willingly accepted the post fully aware of the possibilities, I didn''t class myself to be a victim. Often the aggression was out of pure frustration and lack of a more appropriate outlet for their anger.

It''s the same in this school. I know what the children could be capable of but I signed up for it so I deal with it when it happens.
 
That''s interesting, as my school''s policy is to *not* accept physical violence (students are supposed to be sent home after hitting, punching, kicking, etc. another student or staff member), but my student is not sent home anymore because she hits people too often. Make sense to you? Because it doesn''t really to me.

Started my morning off with this same student who brought a lighter into school and said she was going to burn the whole school down and everyone in it. Awesome! The rest of the day was quite good, though.
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Date: 9/25/2009 3:15:00 PM
Author: gwendolyn
That''s interesting, as my school''s policy is to *not* accept physical violence (students are supposed to be sent home after hitting, punching, kicking, etc. another student or staff member), but my student is not sent home anymore because she hits people too often. Make sense to you? Because it doesn''t really to me.
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Gwen, the district I work for has a no violence policy as well (I know you''re in the UK, but don''t know of a school anywhere in the US that doesn''t) but where I work children in SPED are the exception to the rule and it is an accepted part of the job, by aides and teachers, everywhere I work. I understand where Merry is coming from, as I share her belief that it is simply part of what I do, and while the behavior isn''t acceptable and of course the goal is to find a replacement behavior (using words, walking away), I do not feel that I am victim if a child attacks me physically.
 
Date: 9/25/2009 3:15:00 PM
Author: gwendolyn
That''s interesting, as my school''s policy is to *not* accept physical violence (students are supposed to be sent home after hitting, punching, kicking, etc. another student or staff member), but my student is not sent home anymore because she hits people too often. Make sense to you? Because it doesn''t really to me.

Started my morning off with this same student who brought a lighter into school and said she was going to burn the whole school down and everyone in it. Awesome! The rest of the day was quite good, though.
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That seems insane. She will learn nothing from that other than that it is OK to use physical violence as there are no real consequences for her. Out of interest, how old are the students you work with?

We had one of the senior boys given a two day exclusion for fighting last week but that''s the first time I have seen anyone excluded for a very long time. I am working with 7-9 year olds in my class. There is a different way to deal with the violence with our children. The girl who has been the most physically aggressive in our class would never understand an exclusion from school and it would do no good to exclude her. She is severely autistic, so an exclusion for hurting staff would only cause more upset. She needs the routine of school. Her poor mother would have a very hard time dealing with her at home when the girl knew she should be at school.

Instead, the best deterrent for her, silly enough as it sounds, is that when she hurts another person physically, she loses the right to take her "Borrow Bag" home. It''s a Tesco''s big green bag that she brings to school every day so that she can borrow three things from school to take home. It is something that she has to work for everyday. So if she bites or hits anyone she is not allowed to take it home. It is, to her, the WORST punishment you could conjure up. She absolutely hates it to the point she refuses to leave school without a huge screaming fit. But it works! She is always so well behaved the day after when she knows that being good will get her the borrow bag!

I do believe in zero tolerance for violents acts, I just believe having the knowledge I do from various schools I have worked in, that it doesn''t always warrant an exclusion. Some children would see that as a reward and hurt people on purpose so they could be excluded. One school I worked at used internal exclusions, so the pupil was kept in one room for the period of their exclusion. Removing them from their friends and still making tham attend school was the best way to deal with them. For some yes, external exclusion was the way to go. But with young children with autism who have no real idea of how their actions affect others, there are ways to sanction them.
 
The student who is regularly violent in my class is 14. She is quite large for her age, and very strong. She overpowers most of the adults in school, and all of the students (with the exception of one or two of the much older kids). Her parents cannot control her, so they spoil her, and the school is woefully inconsistent with sanctions dealing with her behaviour (even though I try my best to uphold the rules, but when the administration doesn''t support me, there''s not much else for me to do).

The students in my class range in age from 12-15 years old. Maybe I am ultimately not meant to work in this sort of a school, because I do not feel like anyone should have to teach in an environment where they are at risk *every day* of repeated physical attacks--not talking about the occasional push, but multiple, deliberate, forceful attacks. I work hard to be a good teacher. It would be nice to feel support from my school when things are rough, instead of going home to cry when I feel more like a broken punching bag than an educator.
 
Hope you all had a good week!

On Thursday the teacher I work alongside spoke to me at lunchtime to break the news that I was being moved into another class for two weeks or so. One of the workers in another class has been finding it very difficult to cope so it was proposed that she take a break from her class and do a swap with someone. Sadly, that someone had to be me! We''re all pretty gutted about it because our class works so well because we all work so well as a team. One teacher and three teaching assistants and we all get along very well and work instinctively alongside each other. They chose me to swap as I have a very good relationship with the class the woman is taking a break from. They are the very youngest class in the school, the children ranging from pre-school (4) up to year 2 (7). Most of them are functioning at a very low level and there is a lot of aggression from them. The lady I am swapping with finds it hard to deal with te kicking etc.

So, I moved into my new temp class on Friday and we actually had a lovely day, We work to the early years curriculum. I just hope that me being in there full time for now doesn''t affect the relationship I have with those children. Some of the children in my usual class were not happy on Fridau and demanded my return!

I have been assured that the move really IS temporary as my teacher does not want to lose me from her team. I don''t want to go into this bew class permanently either. They are a great class and I love them all to bits, always have done but I am very settled in my usual class and hope to get back there ASAP before it has a derogatory affect on my relationship with the children there.
 
Gwen, I''m sorry you''re feeling so frustrated. Perhaps long term this isn''t the right position for you. I hope the weeks to come are better.

Merry, movement of staff is always so difficult. As a regular sub in 3 classrooms even my appearance (which is quite frequent) can throw the kiddos off. Hope the transition continues to be smooth and things get resolved quickly so you can return to your old classroom.

Had a fun week with the kids. Spent it in my favorite classroom (love the staff and the students).
 
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