No title

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2007 : August : 9

No title
By Ima Teacher

I've had one student with diagnosed autism, and one student who was I'd be willing to bet was autistic, although there was no documentation in his records.

Both were a HOOT to have in class. They didn't socialize
with the other kids much, but the other kids were pretty good to try to include them anyway. Both were VERY literal, which made things a little tough since I teach literature, which relies so much on figurative language. One always spoke in complete sentences and always repeated everything. For instance, if I said, "Are you going to the library?" He would say, "You want to know if I'm

going to the library?" For both I had to say their names before speaking to them or they didn't answer me. One was very good natured and worked hard on all assignments I gave. The other was generally the same, but had a "meltdown mode" I triggered on a few occasions. Both made good grades, had no aides, and added a lot of unique personality to the room.

One came back to see me last year. He's a junior in high school! He shook my hand, asked how I was doing, and then proceeded to tell me he was practicing shaking hands and looking into people's eyes while he talked. :D