Misunderstood Verbal Prompting for Autism Student

[dcoombs]

I work with a middle school Autistic boy. This past week we had an issue with a nurse that works with one of our students. I know things are easily misunderstood, but I do not understand why she would do what she did without speaking to someone to find out what really happened.

The boy I work with cannot follow commands. So part of his lesson plan is to work on this. You give simple commands to him like "Sit down, Stand up." Well this nurse who has never worked with Autism and really does think (she has said this before) "They should be put in placement. They really don't belong in this school."

Well anyway, I was having him follow commands about a week ago while she was eating lunch with the student she is the nurse for and she turned around and reported to the principle that we (me and others in our room) were treating him like a dog and told him to "roll over and bark like a dog." Why would someone do this. I mean 4 of us almost lost our jobs over someones stupidity. And not I am supposed to be professional with her when I just want to kill her.

Myself in particular really took offense to this because I have a kid in Special Ed. I do not want people treating him like that, so I would never do it. Right now I am confused on how to help this woman learn what we are doing and shut her mouth about things that she doesnt know about.

[Deb]

Write a letter to the teacher, copy the principal.

Explain

1) Why this is a personal issue to you

2) That you know what you are doing in your work with special ed students

3) That should the nurse have questions about how you are working with the students, you will be happy to take a few minutes to explain to her what you are doing

4) That you believe all of the people involved in the education of students should present themselves in a professional manner, and that you take issue with the incident mentioned.

Close on a friendly note, but make sure that the message you intend to convey is clear, not accusatory, and offers a solution to avoid future "misunderstandings" (whether you believe it to be a misunderstanding or act of gross stupidity is irrelevant at this point).

This will document your side of the issue, portray you as willing to "reach out" to other professionals, and reinforce your idea of what professionalism is.

Good luck with your students and you co-workers.

[dcoombs]

Thank you for your advise. I appreciate it.

[Boxcar]

That was really good advice Deb. :)