Spectrum Educational Services

Micah Sudom, my son and former ASDreams member, composed Give it Time.  His band, Mostly Micah, played it during high school graduation. Micah is the one on piano. Mostly Micah also provided the dinner music for the school district's teacher retirement party. Micah's first educational assistant and his kindergarten teacher both retired this year. The PUF administrator who got me started in the school support system was one of the two honoured educators at the event. The title Give it Time wasn't chosen for a graduation theme or a teacher retirement gig, however I can't imagine a more fitting title. Early educators who gave of their time not knowing how their involvement would shape the lives of their students. Junior high boys who spent six years eating their lunches together in the band room, learning new instruments and jamming together. A mom who invested 18 years into countless appointments with Family Supports for Children with Disabilities, service provide...

Sue Thomas, Gerry Gabrielle and Myles Bingham coauthored an article on using the HALT strategy. It is an acronym that encourages caregivers to stop and question where a negative behaviour might be coming from. It identifies four basic needs that, left unmet, could lead to a behaviour issue. They are using this strategy with teenagers, but I see it  applying to a broad range of ages and abilities. For more information on how they are using the HALT strategy scroll down the May 2016 edition of the Autism Around Alberta newsletter here . Save Save

Time to register for fall activities. My son is taking the fall season off as he adjusts to grade nine. His idea. As a Mom it is great to know he understands his needs and chooses to create time and space for self regulating. Knowing how much he loves soccer, it is hard to see him give up a preferred activity to make it through the demands of school. It is not about the academics as he is a 90% and above student in most subjects. It is about managing the transitions of a new school year. It is not a new school and he knows most of the other students. Yet his anxiety remains and interferes with other aspects of life. He will likely be ready to play soccer in January. My heart is grieving for lost opportunities and thankful that we aren’t starting the school year already maxed out.

" It’s all about having empathy as a first reaction as opposed to frustration or annoyance," captured a key theme shared with staff in  Westwind School Division during two days of professional development I offered in May. The division capitalized on my time there by also hosting a community awareness presentation. They also took this picture. Fortunately I no longer need the crutches!

Demand someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder: do something your way right now while overstimulated without explanation as to how this will benefit them. A little teaser from my February teachers' conventions presentations.

When a special needs child becomes a student at school, the role of parent expands. With many different people and levels in the education system, learning to work together benefits the student. I've had the privilege of facilitating parent panels which gave educators the opportunity to hear directly from parents their experiences of navigating the system. The following is the handout I created for participants. We both play a valuable and distinct role in my child's life requires effective communication system share what is working School is only a part of my child's day extra disability supports greater need for down time regular kids activities Life continues after graduation parental hopes and dreams undergo continual readjustment pacing for the long term skills for life maximize abilities by strengthening strengths To receive supports, there must be demonstrated need it is hard to focus only on my child's special needs technical language can...