two'steacher
11-05-2005, 10:58 AM
I am a teacher in a two year old classroom. We were blessed with a child beginning in August who has been diagnosed with high functioning autism. He is affectionate, funny, and bright. The only real problems we encounter are at nap time(he almost always refuses to go to sleep and instead plays really loudly and often screams) and, lately, he pushes the other children. I really don't think he's trying to be mean, I believe he's trying to interact. But some of the children have become afraid of him and that makes me sad. Our CDC is non profit and we don't currently have money in the budget for a weighted vest or blanket but I have emailed a mom of a child with autism and she's given me a sewing pattern....I am looking for any suggestions. I really hate the thought of dumping all this on his parents-they've just come off a really bad experience with the "preschool" he was in before. His therapists are profoundly pleased with the progress he's made and when I've hinted at a problem, I can see the fear, the defeat-all of the "before" and I want them to know that not only is he doing very well, we love him and that we're trying to learn and understand how better to serve all three of them. Is there a way to discipline a child with autism? Time out doesn't work. I'm wondering if pictures of a child sitting would help with the concept of staying in a seat until everyone is finished eating, for example. Too, he knows some baby-sign. Thanks!!!