Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Laura — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:09:20 GMT

I am a former teacher, and although I disagree with what this teacher did to the boy, I must make the observation that there is always a lot of press and outrage about the few negative things that happen in classrooms across the country. For every teacher that does abominable things like this, there are thousands of others that are making changes in the lives of special needs children every day. If we would focus on and highlight the good that teachers are doing and de-emphasize the bad, perhaps the low performing teachers would learn proper classroom management, and the press would have to find other ways to shock and dismay the public.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

P & J's Mom — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:59:58 GMT

Just playing devil's advocate for a moment here;

The child was at the school since January. Where did he go to school before? Was he asked to leave? I think there are some missing facts before we go off the deep end on the teacher - come on we are all only human. Perhaps the child and his mother need counseling as well.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Lisa — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:13:49 GMT

I have 2 children 1 is 14 & the other is 9. They are both ADHD.

I could NEVER imagine what that little boy felt like. That is what IEP (Individual Evaluation Process)kind of like a special education class is for.

It is DISGUSTING that his teacher allowed this to happen. SHE IS A DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would sue the crap out of that school system. I will pray for them.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

marcy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:00:37 GMT

um, Jonet's mom? the person who signed their comment as Barack Obama is not the real man. I think they're just acting as a troll. I wouldn't base your vote on a comment you read in a web forum.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Kristine Vaughn — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:13:16 GMT

I have a 6 year old Autistic nephew. He is the love of my life, and the smartest, most creative, lovable kid I have ever met. I was absolutely outraged when I read this story. I have learned from my nephew that there is a reason that he acts out, because he doesn't know how to tell you that he is upset, or doesn't like something. When he is angry he bangs his head. There are ways to avoid that kind of thing, learn what triggers the bad actions, and learn what you can do to prevent them from happening. I think all teachers need to take a class or something to learn about Autism because of how common it is becoming. If a teacher did that to my nephew, I would have to use all my will not to beat the living day lights out of her for being so ignorant!!

My heart goes out to you just please know that Autism is not a handicap it is a Blessing in disguise!

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Amy R0binson — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:10:56 GMT

My bright grandson has aspergers. A little girl in his class told him nobody likes you. He wants friends but doesn't know how to relate to them. He is in first grade and knows all the US presidents in order, their dates, VPs and interesting facts about them. Has other obsessions about facts, is brilliant in math and reading etc.He has a tender heart but no one will play with him. It breaks my heart.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Amy R0binson — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:10:56 GMT

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

maria may — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:54:39 GMT

My son is graduating this year, he is developmental delay with autistic tendencies and has a seizure disorder. This story did hit close to home. I was fortunate to have my son in a school system that was caring and inclusive. Most of the kids were tolerant and helpful. When my son got an award last year, he had the biggest applause. He went to the prom and the kids were great with him. I say all this because it was the teachers and the parents who taught this children how to be with him. There isn't any place I take my son that someone doesn't say hi to him or wave to him. This teacher was a disgrace to her profession, my heart goes out to this boy and his mother. Parents worry about there children even when there are no special needs, but when there are special needs the worry is tenfold, not just because of their needs but also how will the world treat our children. When we send them to school it is with bated breath and lots of prayers. This story broke my heart and it is still not mended.

Maria

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

rmmom — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:14:31 GMT

Last year I witness as a volunteer several special children culminate from our elementary school. Some were in a Special Day Class and Some were in the classroom with one on one aides. I remembered these children through the years grow up before my very eyes. I know these children who culminated with these children are better for it. They helped and played together over the years and cheered when they came on stage. So I see a bigger picture. No this was not one of my sons class. I have also seen these parents year after year communicating with staff and administration.

It takes a village to raise a child. A collaboration of teachers, aids, administration, staff, parents, and volunteers. Every child is different and every child is special. Every child should be told they are special especially when they are born special.

It just saddens me that this happened as a parent, volunteer, advocate for every child(PTA) and as a taxpayer. I know this isn't the first teacher to do this or the last. I think that is what saddens me the most. And to think we just celebrated at the beginning of the month Teacher Appreciation week.

And for all the amazing and compassionate educators out there that not only educate our children but teaches them empathy, compassion, and values THANK YOU.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Jonet's mom — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:42:36 GMT

I am so glad to know how Barack Obama feels on this topic. I know where the future of my child's education could be if he is elected. I am stunned at the callous remarks that he made. The majority rules.Too bad I am just one of those poor individual voters who will be saying no thank you for his services as president. If a presidential canidate will not stand up for this child, then why would a teacher? Poor role model.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Sheri — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:49:22 GMT

ALL children deserve an education. I have never hired a lawyer in dealing with a school district. And those laws are in place for a reason. Children who were hyper or had problems reading or didn't do as well for whatever reason could be removed from the classroom whenever. Many children with special needs were locked in a closet and taught nothing. As I have said before, we can either try and embrace them and allow them to thrive OR we can pay for these children for the rest of their lives-and yes, you and your child will end up paying. I don't begrudge anyone's child an education, and I believe it is the school's responsibility to make sure ALL children receive an appropriate education. True, that is not always in a regular education setting, but for many children, that is what is appropriate.

Your school system is responsible for ensuring your daughter's safety. Obviously, this child needed an aide, the teacher was untrained and the school did not do it's job. Your daughter probably needs therapy since she had to talk to people you obviously feel are inferior to her. I'm so sorry to hear that. Poor thing.

I'm sorry you don't believe in compassion or caring about others. Your child could be a genius, but if she isn't a kind and compassionate person, you've done nothing, and she is nothing.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

quizzle — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:54:34 GMT

Actually my chils is normal, he processes information differently than many of his peers. He may have communication problems but he is capable of finishing university. Each school has a responsibility to ensure all children get an education. If there is a problem then more parents need to attend PTA, get involved with school policy meetings, organize more volunteer times. You cannot expect an underfunded public school to take the brunt of a situation no one will get involved in.

My child has an aide who helps ensure his safety as well as his peers and a compassionate teacher who included his peers in assisting him. A competent school like his has no problem finding a solution so that no child is left behind.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Angry Mom — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:34:00 GMT

Why are you attacking those parents who want a good education for their children, undisturbed by the disruptions of a handicapped child? I had to remove my daughter from a class where they insisted on bringing in a "mentally challenged" child. This child made constant grunting noises, urinated in the classroom, and generally made it impossible for my child to learn. Sure, you parents of handicapped children have the laws and greedy lawyers to insure your children get whatever they want, but at what cost to those of us with normal children? Not everyone embraces this “feel-good”, “love-one-another” politically correct crap. Our society will be hurting if our children are not able to achieve the scholastic levels necessary for America to maintain its edge in the business world. This social experiment run-amok will be to the detriment of the future United States.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Sheri — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:01:17 GMT

Barack and Parent, (you don't sound normal to me, so I'll leave it out)

Please check your facts. If inclusion is done CORRECTLY (meaning proper supports and training are offered to all teachers and aides), it BENEFITS BOTH handicapped and non-handicapped children alike.

Each and every child is different. I've met plenty of so-called normal children who are disruptive and who have actually interferred with MY son's right to a free appropriate education. I have yet to march down to school and tell them to remove so and so from my son's class.

I'd like both of you to take out the words "crippled" or "handicapped" and substitute the words "African American" or "Mexican". Yep, I'm calling you a bigot.

Are you expecting to collect social security??? How about medicare or the like??? I wouldn't count on it. Why??? Because people like you don't want to "deal" with people who are unlike you. You want to lock them up in some room and teach them how to drool properly. You see, these children grow up. I've seen miracles with my son, because he was in a regular classroom where other kids modeled "normal" behavior for him. He was given standards so he could learn math, reading and all the other subjects he needs. Will he ever cure cancer??? Nope. But he is far better off now than if he were to be in some self-contained class where there are very few expectations put on him, where everyone else in the classroom has a disability. He isn't going to collect social security for the rest of his life. He is getting a job and giving back.

Finally, I will be praying for both of you. I would NEVER wish for anyone to have a child with a disability. You both are a little too smug for your britches. One day, your so-called normal kids will grow up and have children of their own, and karma can be a bitch.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

daddy5 — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:37:24 GMT

If this was my child I would own the school in about a week.

and as for some people that have written in ie:Barack Obama and Parent of a normal kid, get over yourselves, you self absorbed morons. how would you like to be isolated and not be able to function in normal society? maybe you can't because the only point you see is on the end of your nose.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

robyn12 — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:26:23 GMT

How can you sympathize with this woman? I would ask that this incident be examined more closely as well as any other "punishment" she may deem acceptable and for what other behaviors from 5 year olds she may find fault with. The addage "little children, little problems, big children, big problems" comes to mind and wonder what is being done to insure the physical safety and mental well being of some other 16 "little" children in her care.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Jess — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:17:32 GMT

i think this is every wrong to start off with, for a teacher to do that to a child is wrong when this child is older, he will think no one likes him and he may end up being the one who kills someone or dose something bad n that teacher will have this on her shoulders as well as if something happeneds to him at school or home, i think the teacher her self should indead be fired. god help her.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

EG — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:46:57 GMT

Hopefully once the family obtains the diagnosis they're hoping for the parents, teachers, and school system will be able to help their child further.

I can sympethize with the teacher's frustration, but it was still a very inappropriate solution to something that was probably a frustration to all, including the child. Calling for backup from an administrator would have been an appropriate response.

Brett, "harelip," really?!

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Parent of a normal kid — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:33:32 GMT

Although I don't agree with the caustic comments made by "Barack Obama", he/she does have a good point. Too often the education of our children is hindered by disruptive behavior caused by the introduction of handicapped children into the classrooms. And in many cases, having the handicapped child in the classroom with normal kids isn't going to help him/her in the long run. Children suffering from retardation, who are not going to progress from the mental age of a young child or disruptive children such as autistic/Asperger kids should be taught in separate facilties/classrooms.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Barack Obama — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:12:32 GMT

These kids disrupt classroms and need to be separated from normal kids. In years past, we could put them in special education classes so normal kids could learn. Unfortunately, federal intervention dictates that we have to put up with the disruptive behavior of these crippled kids! This affects normal kids ability to learn. Three cheers for the teacher who stood up for the rights up the majority of students over the selfless needs of this one kid!

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

GMP — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:11:26 GMT

I have a son with Asperger's Syndrome; due situations like the one we are all discussing, and some of the comments from the "professional" educators on this BLOG, we home-schooled our child for over three years before finding a Private School that would work for us. The issue with Asperger's is that this child is truly alone, he does not bear the outward sign of a disability, yet cannot defend himself against peers who pick on him. The mother of the boy who was voted out of class stated his only friend he'd ever had was in that class. Now, not only will the child not be going to school, he will miss out on desperately needed social interaction. I am not an "eye for an eye" type of person but the teacher needs to be fired. To all the teachers out there: These kids are tough..deal with it. I spent twenty years in the military which was though on my son, if he could handle that, you can handle him in a class for a few hours. I'm so over public education, inadequate facilities, uneducated teachers, and punks. You can have it.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Juan Leija — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:29:52 GMT

I am a Behavior Specialist and I have worked with dozens of Autistic individuals. What has been done to this young boy can set back any program his parents have been working on. This can be the same for the other children in his class. The only thing learned in that class was how to belittle and segregate another child. I have worked with clients in schools and teachers to help develop programs to work on behaviors described by some posts. The school is at fault for not supporting this teacher and the teacher for not standing up for all the children in the classroom.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

chanelle — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:22:30 GMT

well i would be very peed off if thyey did that to my child just becuase he has a disorder doesn't mean he can't be in school i will always love any child that has any disorder1!!

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Kelly Christensen — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:12:06 GMT

What's the matter with our government education system. Survival of the fittest, the most attractive, the smartest, must I go on. How is it these incredible ideas are even considered by our government teachers and I use the word teacher with prejudice. I have two boys with Aspergers. One of them has other delays and health issues. I had government teachers tell me they didn't want my son in their classroom and some who were and are patient, kind and really enjoy my son. I will say this son is unable to function in a "normal" classroom even with an aide. This child is finally in a great program but it took until Jr. High to get it but I still have to fight each year to make sure he gets the most appropriate education and I keep close tabs on social issues. Fortunately he is oblivious and is really enjoying Jr high.

Shame on that teacher. I'll pray for her and hope she'll realize what message she sent to the other children in her class. I hope the other parents are just as outraged.

re: Autistic boy voted out of kindergarten by classmates

Deb Hernandez — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:34:57 GMT

If this child's parents and teachers had already been in conferences and set out a specific IEP for him, then it should have been followed. I am not sure that this child's case is as severe as SL's and I do know that teachers do end up sacrificing the education of the class when constantly dealing with one particular student with either special needs OR behavioral problems. This is a difficult thing BUT in answer to your question SL, you are to follow the IEP set forth in conference. The IEP's should be updated yearly or as needed in situations that occur during the year that become intolerable. It should NEVER come to a point where you are having to decide between one student and the 23 others in the class!!!!

A teacher is expeced to keep the parent updated on any behavior modifications that she thinks would help. If that teacher is unsure, then she needs MORE training in that particular area. Elementary teachers are supposed to be updated on all special needs modifications concerning students that are integrated into the regular classroom.

I will say that my son is ADHD-Impulsive, and he went through simular circumstances with those around him not understanding him and his first grade year was a nightmare!!! But, we worked with a psychologist, a neuro-psychologist, teachers, two principals and our pediatrician and found some solutions to help our child. By his second grade year, he excelled!!!! EVERYONE must work together for it to work. This in no way excuses this teacher for what she did. It was not an educated solution and was harmful to ALL of the students. She not only taught Alex that he was not wanted or special, but she taught those other students that they could be cruel to someone without repercussions. Sorry, even under extreme circumstances, she should have contacted the principal and worked with the parents on this one.