Graduation Disaster
Graduation ceremonies are challenging for all participants, even the most compliant, flexible high school senior. Many individuals with autism are able to wait patiently, maintain acceptable behavior, and blend in with their “typical” classmates. But what are our choices if we anticipate a graduating senior with autism will disrupt the graduation ceremonies?
or
continue reading
Graduation Buddy. If a senior with autism needs some quiet reminders to focus, follow directions, stay seated, and generally blend in with the other students, the best option might be to assign a “graduation buddy.” Last spring I walked beside a potentially explosive young lady in her graduation ceremony. The event had all the markers of a disaster since most of the town gathered in the noisy gym of this small high school for the ceremony. The graduates sat on a platform in the gym in full view of the whole crowd. Several speakers were slated for the program, so the ceremony was not going to be short and sweet.
This young lady usually gets very agitated in new situations. The agitation triggers vigorous hand shaking and rocking, uncontrolled laughter, and very loud, repetitive phrases, often using very inappropriate language. Her classmates have always been very loving and accepting, but her parents didn’t want her to disrupt the ceremonies, so we were prepared to help her slip out the back door of the gym if (when) her patience reached the limit. Much to our surprise, she tolerated wearing her cap and gown, she sat rather quietly during all of the festivities, and she took the diploma from her principal before shaking the hand of the superintendent and allowing the cameras to flash. Now, some of that calmness was no doubt a result of fervent prayers by her family, me, and, probably, her principal ☺ But it was also helpful for her to have a buddy to walk and sit beside her, and to talk to her very quietly during the whole event, reassuring her and reminding her to be calm and to be a good listener.
In the next few days, we will discuss several other options for averting disaster at graduation ceremonies. We encourage you to tune in to these discussions, and we also welcome any ideas you have for helping potentially explosive youngsters with autism participate in their high school graduation. And, congratulations to all the high school students in the graduating class of 2010!
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
