Kaylynn Johnsen
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Austism Mama Writing

Education for your child

4/10/2020

8 Comments

 
​Autism from a mama who has been there. I am going to try to post every day this month. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Education for your child:

Our son attended five school districts in four different states. We found that some states had much better programs than others, and even within a district, there was a measured difference in each school. And in a school, you would find cooperative teachers and recalcitrant ones. Although the laws were in place, some teachers were not just reluctant but openly defiant. Change teachers, change classes, change schools, do what is best for your child.

Most of the time, we were blessed. In Arizona, where he was diagnosed, he was placed in the Early Intervention Program. In Utah, the local school district allowed my son to learn in the least restrictive environment (mainstream classroom) and gave him an aide until he no longer needed one in the third grade. Let’s not even talk about California. (That would need its own post.) In Texas, we worked with a combination of programs tailor-made for him. (Including a few months in an outpatient program for another problem.) 

Junior high school and high school are going to be hard no matter where you are, and we moved back to Utah during this difficult time. Again we were blessed with wonderful advisors who allowed him to be on “home hospital” while we worked out another medical issue, allowed him to attend half-day, and helped him transition to the Star Program after he turned eighteen until he graduated when he was 20 years old.

There are so many new schools and programs that weren’t available to us back then. Do your research, interview teachers, explore programs, and choose what best fits your child’s needs.

Celebrate the small stuff. Be flexible. Laugh.
8 Comments
Kylee
4/15/2020 09:03:46 pm

I, too, have had experience with schools just not being the right “fit” for a gifted child. Some educators do not understand that they have to be flexible and give these kids responsibility to feel powerful. Sometimes the scariest thing like switching schools in the middle of the year is actually for the best! Relax and be flexible is a great tip!

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Kaylynn Johnsen
4/16/2020 10:41:30 am

"Actually for the best!" It is scary and hard but it is actually for the best. You are one strong Mama.

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Brad Fesperman
4/15/2020 09:43:09 pm

Some people feel they are not equipped to deal with special needs or even difficult children. I think with a little effort they can find ways to reach out. But it does require effort and some people will not try. I felt weird around any children that had learning disabilities when I was growing up but I out grew that with positive experiences.

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Kaylynn Johnsen
4/16/2020 10:43:17 am

I glad you had positive experiences. You have discovered an amazing secret, it takes effort, but it is worth it.

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Jackie
4/15/2020 09:54:35 pm

After having my son in the school he’s been at now for 2 years, I can say I’m so lucky to have the support of his teacher and everyone involved in his program to help him. When he first started school in preK middle of the year, I now have realized how much I dislike that school and his environment and would not want him to go back. We took his school into consideration when we were moving because I did not want him going elsewhere!

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Kaylynn Johnsen
4/16/2020 10:45:13 am

Autism is a family diagnosis. Making the best decisions for the care of your child informs where you work, live, and play. All are affected, that is why you have to be a team. You guys are a great team.

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Rachel
4/16/2020 12:47:13 am

This is why I became a SPED teacher! To help our kids who really need a loving person!

Reply
Kaylynn Johnsen
4/16/2020 10:46:32 am

That is wonderful Rachel, you are going to be awesome. You are a great mother and you are going to be a great teacher. Lucky students.

Reply



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    Kaylynn Johnsen

    Just a Grandma with many stories to tell.

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