Autism/PDD-NOS in preschool concerns?

Hi,

Let me break this down. I have a child in preschool, and there is a child in his class who displays classic Autism Spectrum behavior (echolalia, toe walking, more). I recognized this before the teacher even did, and because of confidentiality, none of the parents can know exactly what is going on with him and what is being done as far as intervention is concerned. I totally understand that. The problem is, the child is starting to display agressive and violent behaviors (kicking, pushing, hitting, throwing, taking toys away, being generally destructive) that affect some or all of the other kids, especially the girls. I have doubt that the parents are taking it very seriously, as I have seen his mother ignore some of these behaviors or even laugh as he destroyed a craft station. She acts as though preschool is a time for her to check out mentally, but she is required to volunteer in the classroom once a week (it is a co-op). Since we are in a co-op, there is one credentialed elementary schoolteacher and 6-7 parent volunteers on any given day. Though the teacher has realized that he needs a behavior plan and there is a no tolerance policy for agressive behavior, to limit words when giving instructions and be clear and concise with commands/requests, not all parents are on board with this. Some let the child get away with the hitting because they think he is just excited or because they are too lazy to do anything, or even because they may feel sympathetic or sorry for the child's situation. I feel like it is a disservice to the child to ignore any negative agressive behaviors, because it will continue if it is not routinely addressed and taken care of. I am not talking corporal punishment here....just a clear plan for behavior, structure in his daily school routine, and to not tolerate any agressive outbursts. I am going to have a meeting with the teacher (who is great, she is just overwhelmed with meeting this child's needs and dealing with her own child in the class and one child with extreme behavioral issues). Does anyone have any suggestions? What kind of resources are out there as far as getting an aide is concerned (California)? Can the parents get assistance or have an aide provided for them through a program other than just the state? I am at a loss and I want to be educated before going into this meeting. There needs to be some cohesiveness between the parents and the teacher (even though there is a sensitivity issue and confidentiality, everyone needs to know how to help and deal with this in a positive manner) and I strongly believe he needs an aide because of the agression and his tendency to try to escape the school or wander into the workshop (storage room with scissors and paper cutter), but I don't know where to start when we are dealing with preschool. Since this is a co-op with one regular elementary/preschool teacher, is she equipped to handle this situation and give this child the best possible opportunities education-wise? I am unsure.......I am a serious advocate for mainstreaming, but when my child's (or any other child's) safety and well being is concerned, I feel something needs to be done. Help me!!Autism/PDD-NOS in preschool concerns?
You are on point. It is a huge disservice to the child to not have a behavior plan, many accommodations, and a lack of structure for behaviors. At the preschool level, its very hard to consider not mainstreaming. Mainstreaming children appropriately can and is done with better successful outcomes than a self contained classroom. The thing is it needs to be implemented appropriately. I have two sons on the autistic spectrum. Both dx PDD.NOS and ages 8 and 3. The thing with the special schools they only take low functioning autism. Which he is not (by your description). DAP (Delaware Autistic Program) is like most autism programs, they accept the bottom 20 percent of those on the spectrum. My oldest son was evaluated by them at one time, they didn't consider taking him at all. Absolutely the child should not be allowed to terrorize other students by being disruptive or aggressive. He needs a 1:1, aide, or shadow whichever they call it there. Darting, for safety concerns is the best way to get an aide paid for. Here they are not provided for free in the preschool setting, only gradeschool if appropriate. There is a free developmentally delayed program that takes up to 50 percent typical children, he really should be there unless his needs can be accommodated privately (speech/language, cognitive, social/emotional, fine motor, gross motor). There should be two certified teachers, 1 special ed. He should have a pointcard or ABA done.Autism/PDD-NOS in preschool concerns?
I think that as a parent you have a right to express your concerns about a child that is violent in your child's class. As far as the autism thing goes, it is up to the parent to decide if they want to go that route. If, however, the parent doesn't do something, the school could put the child out.Autism/PDD-NOS in preschool concerns?
This is a legitimate concern for you since this also affects your child as well.



I have been a teacher and I have an autistic boy.

With that being said, this child needs to be in a autistic specified school. This will be better for that child as well. I made the mistake a year ago and took my son into a mainstream school. What happened is the teacher and the director told me in the parent meeting that my child is not doing well, and its affecting him and the other students. I understood completely that a mainstream school wasnt productive for him or the other students. Now my son is in an autistic school and hes actually improving. This child will not learn anything as well in a school that isnt strictly catering to his special needs. An autistic school has 1 on 1 teachers ration. (meaning one teacher to one student) it addresses behavior therapy, sensory therapy and more. I wont get into details since this isnt your child.

But I would tell the teacher your concerned about your child's productivity since this child is taking all of others attention and time. If she is a reasonable person, which she probably is, she will also notice that it would be best if this child is placed in a more appropriate setting for him or her. That mother needs to go to her district and talk to someone in special ed.
Unless this teacher has studied special education, there is no way that she could handle and teach an autistic child in the most effective way. The parents of the child need to go to a developmental pediatrician for an evaluation and testing, possibly several of them, to know for sure what the issue is, and then they can decide from there what the treatment plan will be. They also need to go to their local school district and request enrollment in special education preschool. Our school district accepts special needs children into preschool at age 3. The district psychologist will conduct their own testing and evaluations to determine if there is a need for special education. My 3 1/2 year old autistic daughter is in special ed preschool full-time, where the student-to-aide ratio is 1:1 and the student-to-teacher ratio is 1:3.