Student Teacher 1
A student teacher in a typical elementary classroom asked for some ideas to help a student with autism deal with anger issues. The youngster screams, yells at teachers, and stomps around the room frequently, especially, it seems, when the classroom routine is changed. Let’s take a look at the specific circumstances and brainstorm strategies for helping this student remain calm.
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The student teacher wrote that she is in an elementary classroom this semester, and is concerned about a youngster in the class. The student teacher reported the details of an episode that involved changing the regular classroom routine. She said, “One day I let the class vote on our reading activity. Their choices were (1) I would start a new book for our regularly scheduled ‘Read Aloud’ time, or (2) the students would read their new Scholastic News magazine independently at their desks. The class voted to read at their desk and finish a writing project for our bulletin board from earlier in the day. The girl with autism had voted for me to read aloud like I normally do at that time of day. However, the majority won. She couldn’t handle it and started yelling. I asked her quietly and calmly if she would like me to show her the new book that I would start reading to the following day. She screamed at me, ‘No. Never in a million years will I look at that book. I never want to hear you read anything ever again!’ Then she ran across the room and hid in a corner and started rocking back and forth.”
Hmmmm…it seems that two related issues are involved in this situation.
1. INFLEXIBILITY. Resistance to change in routine is a VERY common characteristics of autism. Nearly every person I know with autism – diagnosed or undiagnosed, autism or Aspbergers, severe or mild – has some behavior issues related to unexpected changes in routine.
2. ANGER MANAGEMENT. Sometimes individuals with autism need some help learning how to manage anger. In many cases, they don’t pick up on the social cues and don’t instinctively follow social norms. A number of my friends with autism need supportive, step-by-step instruction to learn how to express anger in a less disruptive, more appropriate ways.
If I were the student teacher, I would avoid having the class vote on activities. Given the student’s issues with inflexibility and resistance to changes, it is counterproductive to allow a class vote which leads to sudden, unexpected changes in the regular classroom schedule. Instead, I would follow the regular routine by introducing the new book and reading just a few pages before giving the class time to read their new Scholastic magazine. I might even read an article from the Scholastic magazine out loud, then ask for student volunteers to read a part of the magazine to the class.
If the student teacher wants to introduce a new learning experience like taking a class vote, talk about the activity several days in advance, and make it part of the expected schedule for the day.
I realize the danger of letting this student’s behavior set the tone for the entire class, but, for the sake of peace in the classroom, I would avoid class votes or other “we win – you lose” situations.
In the next podcast, Student Teacher 2, we will look at more ideas for maximizing the educational experience for this youngster and her fellow students.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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