Eight Life Lessons I've Learned From Children Who Have ASD

For the last 16 years, I have had the privilege of working with children who have autism.  They have impacted me in ways I can't even begin to describe.  They have made me laugh and made me cry.  Made me proud and made me disappointed.  Made me dance for joy and made me throw my hands up in the air in frustration.  They have all left me with a memory,  like the child who…

…put a tack on his teacher's chair as an April Fool's Day prank
…greeted me with a beautiful smile instead of words
…calculated my weekend mileage 
…had a special "Aflac!" greeting for me every morning

and the list could go on and on and on.

These memories were made by students who have left their mark in my world.  Who have made it better by being in it.  Who have made an impression on me.  It has been a crazy, frustrating, wild, and inspiring ride.  It's been a ride that I could never have predicted no matter how many classes I took, research articles I read, workshops I attended, or hours of collaboration and planning I spent.  Nothing has taught me more than the kids themselves.  

Expect The Unexpected
I never know what is going to be said or done.  I never know how students will respond to me, to the lesson, or to others.   I have to stay on my toes.  It's predictably unpredictable!

Think Outside The Box
Just when I think I have thought of every possible avenue, I realize I missed something.  I need to think literally.  Think creatively.  Think differently.  What works one time may not work the second time.  It's a constant challenge that I'm up for.

Don't Take Myself Too Seriously
They don't, so why should I?  They know my purpose.  They do what they can when they can.  Their bad day doesn't define their overall success or my effectiveness as an SLP.

Celebrate The Little Things
If I go looking to help a child move mountains or even a hill, I may find myself making it no further than the top of a step.  Small successes are a big deal.  If I can get excited about moving to the next level in Candy Crush or finding a killer deal at Target, then I should be doing the same for them.  Success is about perspective.

They Are Talented
Talents come in all shapes and sizes, makes and models, and theirs shouldn't be underestimated.  Some talents are blatant and others take a bit of searching, but they are there.  Tap in to them.  They are the key to their learning.

They Know I Care
I've seen it in their eyes.  The way I can catch a fleeting glance my way when they're upset or when they pace next to me.   It's not always in the words that I say but just my presence.  They know that I will be there for as long as it takes.

They Are Sensitive
They may not be sensitive according to my definition, but they feel, too.  There feelings are real even if they're not displayed on their faces.  Sadness.  Anger.  Pride.  Loneliness. Fear.  Happiness.

We Want The Same Thing
They want to be valued, understood, and loved.

I know that I will continue to learn and continue to grow, and it's exciting to think about what else will come my way.  I'm curious to know what you have learned!

I wanted to leave you with this short vide.  While the statistic of autism prevalence is outdated, the video sends a beautiful message.


photo credit: balloons via photopin (license)

SUPER Thankful Linky Party

November has to be one of my favorite months.  Maybe it's the fall colors, the smell of fallen leaves, or first snowfall of the year.  Maybe it's the feeling of wearing a nice, warm sweater or the official start of the hot chocolate season.  Whatever it is, I love it.  I wish that I could hold on to the feelings that Thanksgiving evokes and make it last throughout the year.  It's a wonderful time for reflection before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season takes over.  Primary Powers is hosting a link party to do just that!

Cliche as it may sound, it's impossible to adequately share everything I'm thankful for, but this is a start!

What are you thankful for?  Link up at Primary Powers and share!

Bringing the concepts of gratitude and thankfulness into the classroom is sometimes difficult to do with trying to keep up with the demands of teaching content, but here are a few ideas for you to use in your classroom!

Thankful Jar by Camping Teacher
Designate who the jar is for, and then write reasons why you are thankful for that person.  Students  write notes of thankfulness to their teacher, principal, parents, etc.  Simply decorate the jar and include the notes inside of it.

A Thankful Heart: A Thanksgiving Activity for Kids from Lasso the Moon

This activity involves a little bit of sewing, but it could be easily modified to include paper hearts, heart stickers, etc.  The purpose of this activity is to give away as many hearts as possible by noticing something that a person does to show that they care.  The hearts are given, and the people/persons are thanked.  Love, love, love this idea!

What Are You Thankful For?  by Rachel Lynette 

This free printable activity includes fun worksheets.  The first asks children to list what they are thankful for by meeting certain criteria, and the second has an ABC format. 

A Thankful Thanksgiving Activity from Blue Cricket Design

This activity also involves a jar but with a different take.  Write a "thankful idea" on a piece of paper.  Place them in a jar.  Students can take one out card and do what it suggests.  

There are so many great ideas out there, but I thought I would share a few in case you are in a time crunch like myself!

My Dad is still Teaching me New Things

A year ago today my father passed away and although it could have been a very sad day I have amazing coworkers who made me laugh throughout the day. Tonight I have a little more time to think and thoughts of my wonderful father have made me a little heartsick. I do promise not to keep the melancholy going, but would like to share some wisdom he had tucked away in a notebook I found this summer. The second week in June, I spent time clearing out a garage stall full of memories from his 40-year teaching career. In the piles of student writing samples and holiday decorations were notes about the writing process in a modern world and how it had changed over his career. In his wisdom my father pondered, “We live in a world in hyper-mode, sped-up and with everyone needing instant feedback. How can we teach kids today that the steps in the writing process are needed and that the first draft you have is not always your best?” My father’s solution was simple. He had jotted down a set of simple steps that anyone could follow along with the thought, “Great writers learn with guidance and feedback from other writers.” Afterall, you cannot teach the writing process for 40 years without some brilliancy right? 

Here also are the steps he described:

1. Draft ideas-Brainstorming, original or with feedback first list your ideas thinking about your audience and what you want to tell.
2. Just Write: With your ideas in mind write down a list or a few paragraphs  about what you want your writing to be (don’t pay attention to style, spelling or punctuation.)
3. Organize: Delete what you do not want and revise what you do want.
4. Draft: Write your first draft.
5. Feedback: Read to others to get feedback.
6. Rewrite
7. Feedback: Again from readers or other writers and again rewrite. (Repeat as often as needed).
8.  Hand-in and Reflect: What went well and how will you improve next time?

Perhaps I will follow these steps when next I blog?  

Let's Do This!

Tomorrow, nearly 2,000 students will walk through our building doors.  For the next next nine months, 170 days, 1, 275 hours, and 76,750 minutes, I am responsible for student learning and achievement.  It is a daunting, challenging, and most rewarding task ever, and I am ready to take it on!  I always feel energized at the beginning of the year.  There is so much comaradery, the excitement of new possibilities, and the anticipation of making a difference.  But sometime around November/Decemberish, I start to feel a little less energized, which is the reason I want to post this now.  When that time of year rolls around, I can remind myself of my purpose and why I am important.

Sir Ken Robinson is from Liverpool, England, currently residing in Los Angeles, CA  He is an author, speaker, and international advisor on education, and his educational vita is beyond extensive.   He shares his thoughts about student engagement, suggesting the learning process can be individualized by offering a diverse curriculum and implementing creative teaching through the use of highly qualified teaching and teacher development.  We appreciate his way of thinking in that avoiding conformity and compliance we can foster creative approaches to learning.

"Education is personal process.  It's a human heart, it's a process to learn, it's a human mind that is responding their own personal experiences."  And he goes on to share more, much more in only two minutes.  We hope you are intrigued with what he has to say as much as we are.

Kicking Off The School Year: You ARE Awesome!

In a little over two weeks, we will be returning to our classrooms to work with the most important younger people of the world.  Among meetings, workshops, meet and greets, technology, the new list of "news," organizing the classroom, there is so much anticipation.  But, we love that our job allows us to start fresh every year with a new and refreshed excitement!

Throughout the next few weeks, we will post different videos to inspire you.  To make you smile.  To let you know that you are have one of the most important jobs…EVER.  You are patient and persevering.  Innovative and inspiring.  Creative and committed.  Delightful and devoted. Compassionate and compelling.  YOU are an educator and YOU are invaluable.

Here is one of our favorites, and a very popular one too.  (We're guessing you've probably seen it!)

Wishing we could have as much pep in our step as the Kid President!

Unique Dining Experience

While browsing Facebook our dear friend had posted about a unique restaurant in Toronto. In college and grad school we both took some ASL and thought this was touching. Please click the link below to watch.

The Results Are In...

In April, I shared a story about two inspiring, fifth grade girls who wanted to make a difference in the  lives of children with autism.  They spent their snack time and read aloud time making rainbow loom bracelets.  They spoke with other teachers and students across grade levels to rally as many people as they could to make bracelets and sign pledges.  What they did was nothing short of remarkable.  Pledges lined the walls at our school to show support.

After only a few short morning of bracelets sales (at 25¢), the girls made nearly $66!  But they didn't stop there.  Next was the spring carnival, and of course, the girls did not disappoint.  The day after Memorial Day, they arrived in my room with an informational board to display at the carnival.  We had discussed making a small poster to inform people of what they were doing, but once again, they exceeded my expectations.  Included was a very LONG list of students (WOW!) who contributed by making bracelets.  Together, we added added to the display to acknowledge each and every student.  (We increased the price of the bracelets in hopes of generating a little more revenue, too!)

And the carnival began!  The teachers were so supportive as well as the students, who volunteered to help with the sales even though it was THEIR carnival!  (I'd like to give a shout out to Mrs. Golanowski and Ms. Fritze for making this happen.)

During the evening, the girls' parents were right alongside them.  (I guess it's no surprise where they get their awesomeness from!)  It was so neat to step back and watch everything happen.  I wish I had counted the number of times parents thanked the students for raising awareness.   

At the end of the night, the students raised just a few pennies shy of $135!  Two selfless girls with a desire to help people they never met.  It was a beautiful thing, and I was so honored to be a part of it!

The girls decided to donate all the proceeds to Metro Friendship Foundation (MFF), a local, non profit organization that provides scholarships to people for social skills development.  MFF values include individuality, collaboration, integrity, and results.  I couldn't think of four better words to sum up this experience.  

The End of Another Year

Tomorrow is it.  The students will have completed another year of school.  I am so, so, so ready to wrap up the paperwork, finish packing up my room, grab a few random supplies I may need over the summer, and then turn in my keys.

But this year, more than any other year, I find myself reflecting on what I did, and I wonder, did I really make a difference?  Did I do enough?  What could I have done better?  It has been a year full of more "unexpectedness" than any of my previous 10 years, but I wouldn't change a thing.  I have learned so much:

1.  Students are excited to LEARN if you are excited to TEACH.

2.  Students WILL learn if they know you genuinely care.  Words are not enough.  You must show them.

3. You can't "save" every student, but you can try EVERY SINGLE DAY.

4. Never, ever, ever, underestimate the importance of each second you spend with students.  You have no idea which one will make the difference.

5. I have one of the most important jobs in the world.  I am honored.

6. Kids are amazing. Period.

7.  I work with one of the most talented, committed, and kind-hearted speech-language pathologists…ever.

8. I learned to trust and assume good intentions of my colleagues.  It was far from easy, but it has helped me to grow professionally as well as the relationships I have with them.

9.  You can't be everyone's friend no matter how hard you try.

10. Change is hard.  Change is constant, but how you work through it impacts its outcome.

A Letter FROM the President!

What?  The White House sent us a letter?  Whoo-hoo!  

In April, two students in our language group chose to send their persuasive letter about environmental issues to the President.  Each week, they asked if we heard anything back from him, and today, we were able to say, "YES," and just in time with the end of the school year wrapping up.  Their excitement was contagious.  Their peers had to see the envelope for themselves, responding with a suprised, "Whoa!"

They were so proud, and rightly so!  We wish you could have seen the smiles on their faces, but of course, due to confidentiality reasons, you can't…you'll have trust us on this one!

It seems like a perfect ending to a terrific school year.  Way to go, guys!

If you think you can…YOU CAN!

If you think you can, you can. This is my ending message to my students this year as we finish up district and state testing and they transition to middle school. I used this funny video to help them visualize what I meant.

Autism 5k

Over the weekend we took part in the Autism 5k race in the Twin Cities which helps fund research and gives grants to local families for therapies or education opportunities. The organization who puts on the race C.A.D.E.  believes all children deserve to learn. They are 100% a volunteer organization and have been helping the Minnesota autism community for several years. Our "team" consisted of two carloads with a race troupe of nine. Click here to learn more about the race and C.A.D.E.

The race took place around Lake Calhoun in the Twin Cities metro area and consisted of over 1500 walkers and runners.

We had a very positive experience thanks to the volunteers who gave their time. 

Here we are at the beginning of the race: 

The "team" was a group of staff who is dedicated to serving students with autism and all students in different roles in our school district. I enjoyed walking with the crew as everyone has a great sense of humor. We never ran out of things to talk about. 

  The day was beautiful and we enjoyed every moment!

We were the tail end of the race and a friendly police officer came up behind us on his motorcycle (flashing lights and all)  to tell us us we could take our time in finishing. 

Here we are at the grand finish!

My Reasons to Thank Teachers

This week is National Educator Appreciation Week. There are some discounts and sales going on and #thankateacher hashtags across social media. I also decided to jump on the band wagon to thank those who inspire learning. By default I have been surrounded by teachers my whole life through school and through family. My mother, father, grandmother, 2 aunts, uncle, brother-in-law and friends all went into teaching. When choosing a career path my mother often tried to steer me away from teaching, I never understood it until this year when I subbed in a classroom teaching health lessons. Here are the 6 things that I learned when subbing and why I feel indebted to all educators.

1. Teachers have 35 min. to prep yet will have 36 things to get done .

They include things such as grading papers, calling parents, writing emails, collaborating with your teaching team, making copies, reviewing/planning for what you are teaching, finding ways to use technology in the classroom and creating activities, power points or running interventions in your classroom. There are often too many. This is why teachers feel the need to bring things home to make it perfect for the next day. There are literally not enough hours in the day.

2. Teachers have to bring their A+++ game.

If you do not know your content, you will have too many pauses, which leads to boredom which leads to behaviors in the students such as entertaining themselves with their phones/ipads or by whispering, giggling and being off task or worse. Teachers have to keep students engaged/on task for 6 hours a day. It is a great feat indeed.

3. Teachers know to expect the unexpected.

The health lesson I was teaching had to do with breakfast, but by the end of the day, I had a puker, a bleeder and one student fall asleep. That was only one day :).

4.  Teachers know, it's like having an infant or 30 of them.

When you are a classroom teacher, you can't just leave. You have to present material for several hours of your 6 directly with students. Your personal needs such as using the restroom or eating lunch takes a back seat to whatever is going on in the hall or in your class. Not just sometimes but constantly.

5. Teachers have to build trust and it takes time.

When stepping into someone else's room or roll I didn't always know what was going on in a students lives. Building a trust with the students is key to keep them learning all year even when tasks are boring or mundane ( like completing 20 of the same math problem). The great teachers I know find ways to get to know their students so they can build a trust. It takes time and energy, but they do it.

6. Teachers understand pain.

My whole body hurt. You heard it. Teaching took a lot of standing, talking, thinking and listening. At the end of my health day teaching I felt like I was hit by a truck of sorts. Perhaps it was me finally wrapping my mind around what teaching actually entails and entertaining the idea that my mother was very right. Teaching is HARD and not for the weak.

So go and THANK a teacher. Thank several. They deserve every perk this week that is given. I could not do what they do everyday.

Autism Awareness Month Continues...

Isn't it crazy how much a few people can make such a huge impact?  I never cease to be amazed with the students who attend our school.   Here's why…

Earlier this month, we helped to spread autism awareness by sharing our blog post "World Autism Awareness Day" with different teachers in our building who, in turn, shared it with their students.  Two students in particular were so moved by Drew Elliot's story, they wanted to know how they could help make a difference in our school.  Make a difference?  In fifth grade?  The response from these two girls I had never met before caught me completely off guard.  After connecting with their classroom teacher and getting more background information about these two, amazing 11 year-old girls, I was was no longer surprised with their request but in awe.  These were the same two students who managed to put together a fund-raiser in a matter of days for Briarwood and Plaza Towers Elementary Schools, which were devastated by the tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma in May 2013.  Two young girls with such beautiful hearts.

With the support of my colleague, classroom teachers, and our building principal, the girls set out to make rainbow loom bracelets to sell in the mornings before the start of the school day.  Word caught quickly, and soon, dozens of students were bringing in bracelets they made at home to include in the sale.  The girls' classroom teacher allowed the students to bring in their rainbow looms to make bracelets during snack time and class read aloud time.  Teachers were asking for us to give autism presentations.  Wow.  We were blown away.

My only request with the entire project was that we communicated to other students that not only is it important to be a friend to someone with autism, but it is equally important to be a friend to everyone.  So, the two girls and I created a pledge using what the school already had in place and then expanding on it.  Here is what we came up with!

Teachers gave students the opportunity to sign the pledges in their classroom, and they were also available at the bracelet sale.  We currently have one more week of bracelet selling, and we continue to hang up the pledges around our school.  In fact, the girls have now asked to sell the bracelets the end-of-the-year school carnival, which was immediately approved by our principal.  (Have I mentioned how awesome it is to be so supported?)  It looks like the girls will continue to raise money beyond the month of April!

So you might be wondering where the money will be going.  Me too!  The girls want to donate it to an organization that supports children who have autism.  I have found five local organizations from which the girls will make their decision.  I can't wait to see where they choose to donate all of their proceeds!  More to come with their decision and the total amount of money raised at the end of May!

World Autism Awareness Day

LIGHT IT UP BLUE!

How have you been touched by autism?  My story began in the fall of 1998.  My college roommate asked me if I would be interest in working with a beautiful, eight-year old girl with a diagnosis of ASD.  Since my major was communicative disorders, I thought it would be a great experience and an awesome resume builder.  But the experience was far more than that.  She touched my life.  She gave me purpose for what I did.  She molded my future in working with children with ASD.

My little "sunshine," as I call her, had no more than approximately 25 unintelligible words to communicate her basic wants and needs.  She had frequent tantrums of frustration along with physical and aggressive outbursts.  Community outings were stressful and unpredictable.  Daily activities such as getting dressed, brushing her teeth, getting herself a snack were carried out by her mom and dad.  The list could continue, but it's not necessary.  You get the idea.

My "sunshine" was surrounded by four therapists who spent 20+ hours a week with her.  We worked with her amazingly supportive parents, brother, and school.  We set clear expectations with visual schedules.  We provided consistent routines.  We practiced going out in the community.  We developed a friendship with her.  We developed a friendship with her parents.  She became a part of us.  A part of me.

In spring of 2001, I had to leave my "sunshine" and her family for graduate school.  Many tears were shed and hugs exchanged.   She had grown so much, using two-three word phrases.  Getting her own snacks.  Getting herself ready in the morning and before bedtime.  Getting groceries and making trips to  get ice cream.  She was finding her voice.

With the help of social networking, I have watched my "sunshine" grow up.  Go to prom.  Visit her favorite place…Disney World (and ride in an airplane)!  My "sunshine" did not help build my resume.  She helped me to grow as a speech-language pathologist with a passion for working with children with ASD, and more importantly, she helped me to grow as a person.

My "sunshine" drew a picture for me over 15 years ago.  That picture is proudly displayed in my classroom as a reminder of why I do what I do.

Wednesday, April 2nd is World Autism Day.  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulty with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.  Autism Speaks reports that 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls in the United States are diagnosed with ASD.  Nearly everyone is impacted, in some way, by ASD.  We feel strongly about raising awareness of what ASD is, is not, and what  that means for families and communities that support people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  In the Twin Cities, Susanna Moses (a parent and author) came to a local news station Sunday to share One Parent's Story.

This year, we are giving teacher's this information to share with their class, and asking them to show the following video of Drew Elliot, an eight-year old boy who wanted nothing more than a friend to wear half of his "Best Friends" necklace.  When thirteen construction workers overheard him telling his mom that no one wanted to wear it, they did something beautiful that has turned into a world-wide phenomenon.   View the story here: Drew's Elliot's Necklaces

Autism Speaks offers many ways that you can "Light It Up Blue: for World Autism Day:
- Incorporate blue into your clothes beginning April 2 and throughout the month of April
- Ask your friends, family, and co-workers to wear blue, too.  Take a photo and upload it to Light It Up Blue community photo gallery
- Use blue light bulbs for your front porch light or outdoor lights (The Home Depot or homedepot.com carries three blue bulbs manufactured by Philips: 25W incandescent, 100W indoor/outdoor flood  lamp, 13W CFL)
- Host a blue-themed dinner party
- Download the free Light It Up Blue iPhone app to add your photos   http://www.autismspeaks.org/LIUB and see all the participating buildings
- Change your Facebook profile picture to the Light It Up Blue logo and tag as many of your friends as you can
- Download the Autism Speaks Community Toolkit as a resource for staff and students 
- Wear blue hat day – charge classmates $1 to wear blue hats to school on April 2 (or any day in the month of April)

Please check back throughout the month of April for more info, apps and ideas in honor of Autism Awareness and Check out our FREEBIE on TpT!  Autism Fact or Myth Quiz