The role of parents and teachers in autism education

For most parents, accepting that their child has autism spectrum disorder can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. It is even more difficult to maneuver the child through the public school special education program. Learning the jargon of special education is almost like learning a foreign language. Additionally, learning about autism spectrum disorder, where students exhibit mild to extreme behaviors, is also often difficult to understand in a school setting. A constructive and positive relationship between home and school always fosters a successful educational experience, whether through the best kids learning apps or other gadgets.

While parents are aware of their child’s strengths and weaknesses, the decision to what extent an autistic child will be included in a general education program should ideally be a team decision.

A teacher can begin to help parents support a newly diagnosed autistic child by involving them early and offering practical advice on establishing a compatible relationship with the school.

knowing

Hold an informal parent-teacher conference, not a child study or individualized education program (IEP), once at the beginning of the academic year. Parents may be asked to share information that they think would help teachers motivate their children, keep them engaged with a task, or even prevent unacceptable behavior. The discussion may include topics such as the child’s temperament, her strengths and weaknesses, and any other information that is not always available in the records, but is important to know.

The teacher will have the opportunity to explain the program, describe how education is delivered through the best early childhood learning apps, and reassure parents that their child is in good hands. It is important for teachers to demystify the world of special education. Both the teacher and the school guidance counselor can explain some of the autism jargon, particularly the IEP.

The goal of an informal parent-teacher conference is not limited simply to sharing useful information, but also to create a comfort level to begin a trusting and open partnership.

autistic classroom

Parents are expected to be interested only in their autistic child and his success in school. But they need to understand that an autistic classroom can be difficult for everyone, and that includes themselves, teachers, students, and even non-teaching staff. Teachers will attempt to address a wide range of needs and behaviors simultaneously because each child is unique. It is because of this uniqueness that teachers must help parents understand who he/she is and that they cannot be like others. For both parents and teachers, being on the same page regarding understanding of the autistic child is imperative to building a successful partnership.

Ask parents to implement the social skills taught in school

Not so long ago teachers thought it was the responsibility of parents to teach social skills. The view has changed over the years. Parents and schools now work together to teach autistic children appropriate skills. While the best learning apps for kids have been extremely helpful, there is no substitute for personal interaction between teacher and student. It affects the successful functioning of students both in and out of school.