On Tuesday, when I went to Mrs. C’s class, I noticed immediately that Canyon was more aware of what he was supposed to be doing. Canyon walked up to the front of the classroom to take papers from the front desk, just as he was directed to do by the words on the projector. It was the first time that I had really seen him engaged in the classroom activity on his own.
During my education class, we talked about the fact that people with autism do well having the schedule laid out in front of them so that it is clear and visible. I suppose that all of the students benefit from this. We also spoke about echoism, which is when a person repeats sound they hear. I have always observed Canyon doing this, but I didn’t realize it was symptomatic of autism.
The students went to another classroom to practice songs for an upcoming performance. When the teacher noticed that they were dragging, she told them to stand up, tuck in their chairs, and do a certain amount of jumping jacks. Canyon did not stand up. He didn’t tuck his chair in. I cued him in to what he was supposed to do, and when he began doing jumping jacks, he repeatedly bumped into his chair. I had tried to move it, but he was standing in front of the desk.
Canyon remained more focused than usual throughout the day, and while I felt somewhat better about his situation in the general education classroom, I still feel that he doesn’t accomplish much without direct guidance. I really do not feel that this is the appropriate environment for him.
I also wonder whether or not he cares that I am there. I know that kids with autism have a harder time making social connections, and I think that may be why Canyon does not respond much to me greeting him or saying goodbye. I would love to know what he is thinking.
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