What's It Like To Have Autism?

[meeg124]

http://www.webmd.com/brain/features/understanding-autism-symptoms?page=4

This is a great article... if you have any interest in the subject, definitely take a few minutes to read.

[erobertson]

This article provides a good summary of some typical autism symptoms. On the other hand, it does not mention that there is a spectrum for autism. I see the entire spectrum in my music classroom from severe (no social interaction/no speech) to Asperger's syndrome. I find it really rewarding to have all types of kids in the my classroom. That said, some of my autistic kids have a very difficult time in music class because there is too much stimulation. We often have to find a balance and set limits for them to participate.

[meeg124]

I think the article gives an idea of the spectrum... talking about kids that are non verbal and those that are able to communicate. The point of the article for me, is how someone of the spectrum processes things differently than someone who is NT.

This part of the article is so my son... Caden has a great vocabulary for an 8 year old but he really struggles with self regulation and how he is feeling...

"But even in those who master language, communication – real understanding – can still be a problem. “One of the hardest things for many people with autism is expressing or even recognizing how they feel,” says Dawson. “They’re often really out of touch with their internal states and feelings.” That’s why some who are very bright -- with awe-inspiring vocabularies -- may still retreat when overwhelmed, engaging in autism symptoms such as repetitive behaviors instead of explaining what’s bothering them. They’re simply unable to articulate it, even internally."

Anyway, I just really liked what the article had to say.

[khanson]

Hey Megan, what are your thoughts on having an autistic child in a group sport where focus and paying attention are a must? I think the boy who just joined T's karate class may be autistic. He doesn't look people in the eye, he most definitely doesn't pay attention and his speech/vocabulary are not good. He is extremely disruptive because he doesn't listen to the Masters or do what they ask (won't stand still, won't do the jumping jacks, rolls the ground instead, the examples go on and on). They try to be patient with him, but it's taking a toll on the other kids.

[meeg124]

My opinion is that my child has the right to go anywhere that other kids can go, etc but he does not have the right to continually disrupt, cause a scene, ruin it for others just like other kids should not be allowed to do. I've pulled Caden out of certain activities just because he couldn't handle it but we had to try it out to see if it would work for him and the class. We also ended up pulling him out of karate because a couple of the NT kids were out of control and the sensei couldn't keep the rest of class focused with them acting out and once those kids got going, Caden got too wound up and couldn't participate. Since the boy just joined, he may need an adjustment period to get used to the routine. When Caden first started karate, we didn't know if he was going to be able to have the focus and listening ability to do it and we talked to the sensei and we both agreed to give a month to see how it went. Maybe it's the same deal with the boy in Taylor's class? Unless the parents are completely oblivious, they must know how it effects everyone and hopefully they won't continue with it, he is not able to participate.