When it comes to education, every parent has hopes, dreams and plans for their child. And every parent of a newly diagnosed child on the spectrum quickly realizes those dreams and plans are going to have to be adjusted?in some cases, dramatically.
One of the first things parents realize is that while their kid may be ready for school, school may not be ready for their kid. ?I tell parents, it?s not about your vision for your child?it?s about their needs and whether or not those needs are being met at the school they are at,? says Linda Mastroianni, a mother of two boys on the spectrum. A resident of Beloeil, Que., Mastroianni is also a parenting coach and the founder of Speaking Autism, an education, resources and advocacy consulting firm for parents. When it comes to education, her main advice is to trust your first-hand experience and instincts. ?You know your child best,? she says.
What to look for in a school
It may be helpful to think of yourself as a consumer when you are choosing a school. In other words, kick the tires. Arrange a visit. Ask to see the school in action. Observe the classroom, as well as the other students and the teacher your child might be with. Be sure to meet with the principal, too. Take into account things like whether the school has a sensory room or, at least, a learning centre where an overwhelmed child can go to regroup or decompress. Travel is another consideration. Children on the spectrum can have a hard time with long bus rides.
Mastroia...