Autistic School

[Texas13579]

Hello
My name is Sara Tullos. I am currently a high school student who is planning on getting my college degree in Early Childhood education- Special Education and I want to work specifically with Autistic children. I am also currently tutoring a 14 year old Asperger Syndrom boy. I am also planning to build a school for autistic children. I currently have the first floor floor plan. My plan is for the majority of students to live on campus however exceptions could be made. I have talked with a few coworkers about this and they have given me reason to question my goals. I have heard horror stories about schools and the way that they treat autistic children or deny them an education. I have many ideals but I would like input directly from parents. What would make my school better for parents and children alike?
Right now some of my specific plans are for all of the walls to be soft like a foam type substance.
I have a sensory room in the middle of every floor with entry from every class room for when they become over stimulated.
There will be soft toys and other things that the children will be able to throw without hurting themselves while they calm down. For an example of the material go to www.klondikekids.com
There will be no restraining, no yelling they will just be brought to the sensory room and a person will stand with them in order to ensure that they do not commit serious harm to themselves(biting, hitting, scratching). Redirection will be used in these instances.
The sleeping quarters would be individually designed for each child. For instance if your child enjoys sports an individual sleeping space would be designed. Castles, forests, beaches, outer space, the ocean, planes, and many others. This will also be designed and built by klondike kids or a company like it.
Music, Art, and Sports programs for all ability levels.
Regular but short Field Trips in order to acclimate the children to live independently. This could be going to a pet store, air port if the children will be flying sometime in the near future, and uncountable other places.
Class size would be a maximum 8 students per teacher.
There would be cameras in every room to ensure safety and proper teaching.


I have also been reading a very interesting book on natural medicine in conjunction with allergies and autism.
***My main question is if a school like this existed would you feel comfortable in sending your child to a live in school? If you have any ideas or programs or any other features that you would like to see in a school specifically for autistic children please respond to this post as my email is down. Thank you for any input.
Sara

[AutMom]

No, I wouldn't want my child living somewhere else. I think being a part of the family is important.

[Carrie]

I agree, I would never want to send my child away to school, although I have talked with a mother who was considering it. I also do not like the idea of quiet rooms. I have worked in group homes before (for abused children, not Autistic ones) and I know how awfully they get misused. I believe the key would be to address the behavior rather than "subdue" it by use of such a room. Also, a quiet room is considered a form of restraint.
Also I replied to another of your messages in the General Chat forum.

[Texas13579]

The quiet room would not be used as a restraint it would be a place kinda like a play room for them to quiet and calm down there would be no use of holds or verbal cues the child would be left alone. Parents would also have the ultimate say in whether a child goes however I personally feel that removing them from the situation that upset them is best but I am also still a novice and have no direct experience. I think that the name is just giving the wrong vibe about how the children would be treated. One of the main reason for this school would be to prevent the mistreatment of these special children. This is also a work in progress and I greatly appreciate your input.