Working with autistic children in the schools

[Sam Bates]

I wanted to introduce myself and share a little about what I do. My name is Sam Bates (female) and I have worked in the public school system in FL with the differently abled population for the last 16 years. I worked in a "center" with a total disabled population for 10 years and the last 6 have been spent working at a "regular" middle school with inclusionary and mainstream children. We have had some good successes and some that have merely maintained. I am well aware of the red tape that parents have to navigate as well as the limitations placed on the staff of the schools. I am also well aware of the lack of knowledge, compassion and love that is available to work with our special guys. I really dont have any grand words of wisdom but would be more than willing to share my past experiences with anyone that may be interested. Often times on forums such as these I get heavily bashed as the anger at "the system" is pointed at me. I am only one of many and you can bet a dedicated and loving person who truly tries to help.
With summer break right around the corner I will have the time to offer any help that I can.

Regards,

Sam
Teaching Assistant
FL

[momofautistic]

Sam any amount of your time as well as insite weather it be to answer one person's desprit question or helping to add written documantation describing all the many issues that the autistic child has to face from their point of view and last but not least educating people about what autism and related disorders is and how it effects our precious lil guys. any amount of info you are able to add would be so greatly appreciated. Although my time "in the terms of free time" is so limited and I am still learning all about autism myself I will dedicate as much time as i can find in my routine to slowly build a site that can help build awareness and support and at the same time learning from other autistic experts(parents,caregivers,teachers and so on) What their experience's have taught them about what is best for our kids.
Thanks again Sam for being willing to share your knowledge and time and if you think you would be interested in becoming a moderator of the site please let me know.

[lrose]

does anyone have the particular knowledge to compare the pre k special educational offerings of the city of alameda, ca versus brisbane, ca?

[momofautistic]

welcome to the group lrose. I wish i could answer your question. I am in CA. but have no knowledge of those schools. Can't you just ask the schools what they have to offer?