If you have a child on the Autism spectrum, and you were to join a homeschool co-op, would you tell anyone in the co-op? Do you keep silent and let them figure it out?
I am asking because we are in a situation in our co-op that could have been avoided, or managed much sooner, if the board of directors would have been informed by the family that this child was special.
I have 2 on the Autism Spectrum & I make sure everyone that comes in contact with them knows they are, it is just easier if they ever have a bad day. Most people don't believe me that they are because they are so high functioning & I bust my a@@ to make sure that I address things with them as soon as I see there might be a problem for them (they both feel so bad after they have melt downs or "Autistic Moments") & it is never something they can control or turn off so I don't want them feeling bad about things that they can never change about themselves.
I would at least inform them that my child was, if I had one. You know they have their moments and it can be easier dealt with. I'm not sure why someone would not tell someone else, unless they were afraid they wouldn't be able to participate.
Definitely need to keep things up front. It makes it easier all around.
I agree with ALL of you! The mom said to me "It is just not something we tell people. We don't want anyone to know." ....huh? Why?
We have all kinds of kids in our co-op from ADHD, to fetal alcohol syndrom, to downs, one with a severe stutter, and everything in between : ) We love them all and try to accomodate them all. So there would be no need to be affraid to tell this group of very diverse homeschoolers.
EXACTLY! And this child was put into a strenuous PE type of class where he was constantly feeling bad about himself : ( I am so frustrated that this happened and sad for this boy.
Quoting usmom3:
I have 2 on the Autism Spectrum & I make sure everyone that comes in contact with them knows they are, it is just easier if they ever have a bad day. Most people don't believe me that they are because they are so high functioning & I bust my a@@ to make sure that I address things with them as soon as I see there might be a problem for them (they both feel so bad after they have melt downs or "Autistic Moments") & it is never something they can control or turn off so I don't want them feeling bad about things that they can never change about themselves.
Being upfront would be so much easier; without communication, something will inevitably go wrong.
I think some people feel that there children are less than if they have Autism & are embarrassed or fear ridicule, so they chose not to tell others until it is necessary.
Quoting swim-mom72:
I agree with ALL of you! The mom said to me "It is just not something we tell people. We don't want anyone to know." ....huh? Why?
We have all kinds of kids in our co-op from ADHD, to fetal alcohol syndrom, to downs, one with a severe stutter, and everything in between : ) We love them all and try to accomodate them all. So there would be no need to be affraid to tell this group of very diverse homeschoolers.
Yeah, I think that is the case with this family. The mom seemed nervous that it was out in the open.
Do you have any advice on how we can help reassure them that they will not be banned because of his difference?
Quoting usmom3:
I think some people feel that there children are less than if they have Autism & are embarrassed or fear ridicule, so they chose not to tell others until it is necessary.
Quoting swim-mom72:
I agree with ALL of you! The mom said to me "It is just not something we tell people. We don't want anyone to know." ....huh? Why?
We have all kinds of kids in our co-op from ADHD, to fetal alcohol syndrom, to downs, one with a severe stutter, and everything in between : ) We love them all and try to accomodate them all. So there would be no need to be affraid to tell this group of very diverse homeschoolers.
Quoting swim-mom72:Yeah, I think that is the case with this family. The mom seemed nervous that it was out in the open.
Do you have any advice on how we can help reassure them that they will not be banned because of his difference?
Quoting usmom3:
I think some people feel that there children are less than if they have Autism & are embarrassed or fear ridicule, so they chose not to tell others until it is necessary.
Quoting swim-mom72:
I agree with ALL of you! The mom said to me "It is just not something we tell people. We don't want anyone to know." ....huh? Why?
We have all kinds of kids in our co-op from ADHD, to fetal alcohol syndrom, to downs, one with a severe stutter, and everything in between : ) We love them all and try to accomodate them all. So there would be no need to be affraid to tell this group of very diverse homeschoolers.
NEED HELP WITH HOMESCHOOLING INFO. WHERE I LIVE IS NOT HOMESCHOOLING FRIENDLY.
- swim-mom72
on Feb. 13, 2013 at 3:28 PM