Spiritual Journey Press

P.O Box 3041, Mercerville, NJ 08619 USA

Journeying with Autistic Children

Workshops and Seminars

Facilitated by Drs. Lois and Lee Spitzer

 Sample Outline:

Goal of the Workshop:  To explore perspectives and methods which enhance the student with disabilities/teacher/parent working relationship so that the student may succeed educationally while reducing teacher’s concerns.

1.      Opening Case Study: “Mrs. S. and Tommy” (this is an actual e-mail from an elementary school teacher from another state and is used with her permission).

 2.      Unpacking the Student/Parent/Teacher Collaborative Model

                  A.     Appreciating the Student with Disabilities

1)      Lee’s response to the case study (handout)

2)      The significance of unusual behaviors associated with ASD.

3)      Learning Styles of Students with ASD:  How Children with ASD Perceive and Function in a non-ASD Society. 

B.     Appreciating the Parent of the Student with Disabilities

1)      Parental Cares and Concerns Regarding Their Child.

2)      Parental Attitudes Towards the Educational Setting.

3)      Easing Parental Fears and Struggles. 

                        C.     Appreciating the Teacher of a Student with Disabilities

1)      A question for teachers: “What do you face when a student with ASD is brought into your classroom, and what gifts or strengths do you bring to this situation?”

2)      The Necessity of In-Class and Administrative Support for the Teacher.

3)      Challenges Involved in Relating to Parents of Students with Disabilities.

                        D.     Basic Guidelines for Fostering Student/Parent/Teacher Collaboration

1)      Establishing and Maintaining a Positive Relationship with a Student with Disabilities (teacher expectations and attitudes).

2)      Inviting Parents to be Partners, Not Adversaries (how to communicate with parents to reduce tension and increase effective problem solving).

3)      Responding to the Inevitable “Bad Days” (issues regarding punishment and discipline of students with ASD).

4)      Effective Use of Para-Educators.

5)      Parents and Teachers Working Together to Encourage Academic Success (strategies that can be applied daily).

3.      A Panel Discussion: The Collaborative Model in Real Life – Reflections from Teachers and Administrator

4.      Closing Exercise (Post-Workshop Reflection):  Rewriting the Opening Case Study

Imagine if a collaborative model had been in place before the opening letter had been sent.  How would the letter have been different?

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