PDA

View Full Version : Other Are there any families or carers of autistic children that can share advice?



cgs
24-10-2012, 12:06
Hi I am the childminder of an Autistic child here in Tenerife. I have looked after him since 2weeks old but was just diagnosed with ASD this year at age 4. I am now learning ABA and teaching him at home as he is not yet ready for school however he is a very social child and would like to involve him with other children. Is their any English families out there that have an Autistic child that could give me some advice? Thanks

KirstyJay
24-10-2012, 12:45
Try contacting MrsTT. She has experience with special needs children and particulary autism.

I teach a child with Asperger's, and it's challenging. I find it hard to keep his attention. He has certain things that interest him, but any diversion from those subjects is difficult to teach. I find this hard work, as I have other children in the group that do not have special needs and it's hard to cater for him and them at the same time. Visual things work better, but I have limited experience. I only have this child for an hour once or twice a week. So I would be interested in any replies you get too :)

MrsTT
24-10-2012, 14:17
We have children who visit the centre in the afternoons for an hour or so to socialise and learn English. As we are a small group, from many different backgrounds and cultures, it may be a space he could thrive in. As Kirsty said, I have a depth of experience in working with children with a range of needs, and a wide knowledge of autistic children. My philosophy now in Callao Learning Centre is that as every child is an individual, I use the knowledge I have gleaned to work with each one to cater to their specific needs. Every child is unique and learns at their own pace.
Our youngest child at present is nearly 4.

If you would like to know more, then the link is in my signature. The Centre will be closed next week for half term.

cgs
24-10-2012, 14:17
Hi kirstyjay the ABA home programme is going really well! Like the boy you teach he used to be obsessed with certain things and lack of concentration but since putting him on a special diet and working on the ABA programme he is like a different boy. His temper tantrams are reduced as his speech is improving and concentration levels are improving by the day. My main concern is his social skills need improving he is a very social boy but doesnt know how to enteract with other kids so I would love some advice on any clubs I could take him too or start one up as it would also give the parents/carers a chance to swap stories and give advice. I take him to soft play areas, the beach etc which he loves.

- - - - - - - - - - merged double post - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks mrstt I have passed the website onto the mother of my lovely boy. Maybe we could come into speak with you this week while my ABA tutor is here from England. I will get her to contact you.

MrsTT
24-10-2012, 14:26
Hi kirstyjay the ABA home programme is going really well! Like the boy you teach he used to be obsessed with certain things and lack of concentration but since putting him on a special diet and working on the ABA programme he is like a different boy. His temper tantrams are reduced as his speech is improving and concentration levels are improving by the day. My main concern is his social skills need improving he is a very social boy but doesnt know how to enteract with other kids so I would love some advice on any clubs I could take him too or start one up as it would also give the parents/carers to swap stories and give advice. I take him to soft play areas, the beach etc which he loves.

As you know,you need to be very specific in modelling expected behaviour for children who do not absorb information about social interaction. They often do not learn from watching other children or adults. The process has to be explained and practised.
It is not good telling them to play nicely for example- you have to explain exactly how to play, or to work quietly - you need to demonstrate the different levels of sound.
I used to run a course for teachers in UK called 'I can't see what you are saying!' about children who can hear the words you speak but who are not in a position to make sense of the meaning you are hoping to convey.

cgs
24-10-2012, 15:38
Hi Thanks for the advise Mrs TT Im not sure if you are familiar with ABA but that is what we do then we need to practise it "in the real world"

MrsTT
24-10-2012, 22:43
Hi Thanks for the advise Mrs TT Im not sure if you are familiar with ABA but that is what we do then we need to practise it "in the real world"

Not familiar with ABA but have been working with autistic children in mainstream education for over 30 years.
However I have googled it and discovered that it is Applied Behavior Analysis- so I shall be reading the info with interest. http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/applied-behavior-analysis-aba

It appears that what I have been doing all these years has an abbreviation - didn't know that was what it was called!! Learn new stuff everyday!!

cgs
28-10-2012, 01:26
KirstyJay where is it you work what kind of group do you teach?

MrsTT
29-10-2012, 00:03
'Maybe we could come into speak with you this week while my ABA tutor is here from England. I will get her to contact you.'

The centre is closed this week for half term. I have things planned for the beginning of the week so will not be available until Thursday or Friday, when I plan to be working at the centre some of the time. My mobile number is on the website.

KirstyJay
29-10-2012, 00:38
KirstyJay where is it you work what kind of group do you teach?See my signature. I teach ESL to children and adults. I have my own private classroom in an academy. I worked in Spanish state school for 5 years before this too.