Texas13579
04-05-2005, 08:29 AM
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 overstimulated.
There will be soft toys and other things that the children will be able to throw without hurting themselves while they calm down.
There will be no restraining, no yelling they will just be brought to the quiet room and a person will stand guard in order to ensure that they do not try to harm 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.
Music, Art, and Sports programs for all ability levels.
Regular but short Field Trips in order to acclimate the children to live independently.
Class size would be a maximum 8 students per teacher.
There would be cameras in every room to ensure safety.
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
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 overstimulated.
There will be soft toys and other things that the children will be able to throw without hurting themselves while they calm down.
There will be no restraining, no yelling they will just be brought to the quiet room and a person will stand guard in order to ensure that they do not try to harm 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.
Music, Art, and Sports programs for all ability levels.
Regular but short Field Trips in order to acclimate the children to live independently.
Class size would be a maximum 8 students per teacher.
There would be cameras in every room to ensure safety.
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