Hi all,
As Mr. P is going to high school, and meeting a whole new group of kids we felt that it was important for our SEA to give a kids a talk about him. So here it is folks. What we tried to do is to focus on his strengths, but also make the kids aware of how they could help him. I think children in grade 8 should have the capacity to assimilate more technical information, and make use of it. Let face it there will always be kids that don't get it and will never get it…..and We don't care about them any how. Have a look at the talk and chime in.
For many of you, you donÕt know who I am, My name is Mrs R. I am PÕs SEA, which means special education assistant. I have been working with P for the last three years both at home and at school.
P has a SEA because he has a medical condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder, or in short Autism. Autism is a neurological disorder, neurological means brain. Autism is not contagious, you canÕt catch it. What do you guys know about Autism? At the moment, scientist still donÕt know what causes Autism, but we do know that right now 1 in 166 people are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The word Spectrum means range, and people are affected in many different ways depending on how severely they are affected. People with Autism have problems learning to speak, play, and socialize with others. With P, Autism causes him to have trouble learning math, and knowing what to say to people.
P has been getting help with his autism since he was 5 years old. He learns using something called ABA therapy, which stands for Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. ABA therapy is a science-based therapy that helps people with Autism learn and interact with others. In short what ABA therapy does is to break down tasks, and activities into small parts, so that each part can be learnt, and then connected. P has learnt all his skills this way, everything from having a conversation to playing the Saxophone.
For those of you that donÕt know him, P attended S H Elementary in L for the last five years. Like most of you, he had his confirmation in the spring. He enjoys reading and listening to music. Some of his favorite groups are ÒGreenday and U2. He likes to take pictures, kayak, and play basketball. Of course he likes hanging out with his friends. He was in the school band, last year, and learned how to play the Saxophone. P goes to a marine biology club at the Vancouver Aquarium every month. He loves going to movies, heÕs great at spelling, throwing Frisbees, Hitting a baseball, and shooting hoops. He has a personal trainer that he works out with, and he is starting tennis lessons. He is very observant and has an awesome memory.
This is your first year in high school, and itÕs overwhelming for most of you, as it is with P. Everyone makes a contribution when they come to school, teachers bring their knowledge and skills and gifts to school and so do all of you. As PÕs new friends and classmates, it is an opportunity for you to share your gifts with P, and he with you.
There are ways that you can help when it comes to being with P.
Some of the Things you can do are:
¥ Make sure he is paying attention to you. He should be looking at you when you are talking to him.
¥ Start a conversation and donÕt give up on it.
¥ Keep P on topic when he is talking to you.
¥ Set a good example, so he can learn what appropriate behavior is.
¥ Fill him in on whatÕs going on in your life, or in the world for that matter like sporting events, movies, and activities that YOU are involved in.
¥ DonÕt overuse his first name. Instead use, guy, dude, whatever is appropriate
¥ Just because IÕm a girl, doesnÕt mean that only girls can help him.
If you are not sure how to best interact with P feel free to ask me. Also if you guys have any questions about P, things that you arenÕt sure about, donÕt hesitate to ask me. IÕll try and answer your questions as best I can.
Living La Vida Lovaas
Dave,
Mr. P's Dad
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