As Valentines Day approaches, many teachers are preparing for the crafts, the party, the excitement of Valentines Day. For many typically developing children it is their only foray into the exciting adult world of boy-girl relationships.
For many children with learning disabilities, especially those on the autistic spectrum, these sort of relationships are foreign. It's true that for some children with Autism a relationship with someone of the opposite sex may have no real importance. Or so says Temple Grandin, who I heard say in a National Public Radio interview she was perfectly happy with her life the way it was. But I know that among my boys, they have a real interest in the opposite sex--in fact female staff have to be careful that their seemingly innocent hugs are not in fact "copping a feel."
This last week was a great social success for my class. We went to McDonalds. We had been rehearsing all week how to ask for the food of their choice. They went, they chose, they were appropriate, and even got a complimentary ice cream cone from the manager. Onward and upward!! I am now planning an excursion to Taco Bell, plus some educational time before hand on Mexico.
Still, I am scouring the resources I am reviewing this week with the hope of finding a road in to keep expanding the boys' horizons, as they improve their behavior out in the community.
Comments
Jerry- I have worked with the population you currently teach. McD and Taco Bell seem common place and easy to most, but to that population can be fraught with problems and potential dangers.
I wonder what to do about the population I have now. I currently work with students with MR who have academic barriers, but can function in the community. How can I teach relationships to them? They are more like typical teenagers in this regard, but cannot process the information and emotions the same way.
Any suggestions?
Congratulations on what sounds like a successful experiment. I’m sure that with a group of kids with different sensitivities it must have been challenging; hopefully everyone felt good about the outcome.
There is a great curriculum called Circles that makes social skills almost concrete.
Thanks for a cogent and well written response. I’m with you. I’m alarmed as a citizen and tax payer by the rise of this population, but I certainly don’t believe in euthanasia, so I guess we have to get ready to live with this population. I know that kids with Autism have all kinds of problems besides social problems: eating problems, sleeping problems, compulsion problems and they’re hard for Mom and Dad to live with. But I love my guys, I really, really do. I want them to find a place in our world that will be nurturing and where they will be a part of social and relational environment. It’s hard work getting them there, but we can’t give up! We need parents to check out of La La land and give us a hand!