Day 4 of ASD De-esclation Tips: Tricks for Triggers
A trigger is the cause and entry point to an escalation. It’s what can potentially light the fuse to dangerous behavior. Due to their deficits our students with autism are …
Tag: Special Education
Day 2 of ASD De-esclation Tips: What to do When….
What should you do when a student throws a book at you in class because they are upset? What should you do when a student attempts to hit you in the cafeteria because they are overwhelmed? What should you do when a student attempts to stab you with their pencil …
Day 1 of ASD De-escaltion Tips: The Urgency Factor
The way in which to properly intervene when an individual with a disability starts to escalate has been the subject of controversy over the past few years and for good reason. The misuse of physical interventions (restraints and holds) and time out rooms has caught the attention of the public …
Promoting Independence: What to do when a parent asks for a one on one para
“W
hat would it take for my child to have a one on one para professional?” This is the layered and complex question that comes to every special education teacher at least …
Five Keys to Staff Celebrations
I
have often said that your attitude is like glitter: good or bad once it’s somewhere it’s everywhere. Your work, your passion, and your love that you spread …
What’s the Big IDEA? Inclusion vs. Independence
Ever since I took an entire month to focus on promoting independence I have been told by many how much they have appreciated hearing about getting learners to do more on their own. It’s not that promoting independence is a new concept, …
Dealing with the Autism Tsunami
The numbers are alarming. In 1975 one in 5,000 were being diagnosed with autism. Today, one in 68. For boys, it’s one in 42. Over the …
Inconceivable!!!! Lessons for the Special Eductor from the Princess Bride
Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what brings us together today. Today and everyday! It is the coming together of learners who need great educators and educators who …
Promoting Independence: It All Starts, Goes, and Ends with Love!
“The secret to life is finding out what you love and then finding a way to get paid for it.” This small bit of wisdom was passed my way years ago by a former supervisor, and it’s wisdom I carry close because it echoes in our work every day. In education, we …
Promoting Independence: Playing Frogger
For classrooms where whole group instruction is the prefered mode of teaching, please mind the gap. The gap, the open space between the instructor and the learner is absolutely sacred. It is on this two way highway that information, ideas, and concepts are shared. Information is presented, questions are asked, …