Quote From: lt9tsilverI would rather see a show about resourses for adults with autism then more stuff for kids. There is already a bountiful database for children with the disorder. Seems like as soon as you get past puberty you're pretty much left to fend for yourself.
I'm 22 years old. I was diagnosed with aspergers when I was 10. Learning how to drive was a nightmare, and I'm still scared to. Where was help for coping with that? Or even better, learning how to deal with romance in your life? I searched far and wide to try and find out why I feel nothing of the sort for a guy friend of mine. (more complicated than that.) and my search was fruitless. Come on Dr.Phil, you can take some time to help those who are basiclly left behind.
...About the teachers abusing autistic kids...Been there, done that. Damaged for life.
I am a mother of a 16 yr old with high functioning autism. I thought he would be excited to get his driver's permit and went to sign him up for driver's ed. He decided he didn't want to drive. I was surprised - but I could see where it could be overwhelming. Driving a car for the first time is daunting for "neuro typical" teenagers. It is okay if he doesn't want to drive a car - he is quite capable of using public transportation.
Our biggest challenge we will face in the near future is college and career choices. I agree with you that adults need services too. Early intervention does help but when these kids grow up they still need their resources and safety nets.
I am also a special ed teacher. I teach a class of students (all boys) kindergarten - second grade/ all on the spectrum. I love my class, "my boys", second only to my own. I know my guys like I know my own children. I am sorry to hear that you suffered at the hands of an educator. I am also a little concerned that the portrayal of one "bad" educator will cause parents to scrutinize and perhaps falsely accuse "good" teachers. I agree that parents should meet with their teachers, should ask What is your experience, qualifications, and philosophies? What methods will you be using in the classroom? What is the classroom discipline policy and how do you handle noncompliance? I can remember when I was a teacher's assistant in a kindergarten room during open house a mom asked "What is your discipline policy in the room?" Then she asked "What if he CAN"T follow the rules - what if is not able to?" This mom knew her son was going to struggle. She already suspected he was different and was not going to be able to do all that his peers could do. I can only imagine her thoughts "He will spend all day in time out." He was later diagnosed with autism.
