"Find out who you are and be that on purpose." Dolly Parton
Notes:
Barb wants to disprove the notion that autism needs the world but the world does not need autism. Language defines human society. Autism diagnoses are increasing at a fast rate. Other forms of communication may be faster, more effective, and less careless than speech. She focuses on one life concept at a time. The world seems to value multitasking and busyness. Individuals with autism operate differently. Allow students with autism to have "chill time." Empower students with autism. Allow students with autism to have choices and responsibilities. Incorporate inclusive, real-world activities and tasks. "Autism is a type of neurology." Those with autism experience significant challenges. There are structural differences in the brain in those individuals with autism and ADHD. Those with autism often relate more to objects that to other humans. We must be wary of "medicating away" the differences in those with ADHD. Discusses the concept of "neurodiversity." Dyslexia= "the engineering disease." There are benefits to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc. To help students live out Dolly Parton's quote, "Find out who you are and be that on purpose," find out the areas in which students excel. Dance Dance Revolution example: Student with autism and considered "profoundly retarded" excelled at Dance Dance Revolution. Also, he was able to explain the light spectrum in relation to the game. He also loved cooking shows, Barefoot Contessa in particular. His psychologist helped him learn to cook. In helping him learn to cook, she was able to teach him how to read, count, measure, and follow directions. Through these experiences and experimentation, psychologist realized that this individual had well-developed receptive language. Consider this example in your classroom. Take the time and put forth the effort necessary to determine each of your students' strengths. Barb is a contemplative. She spends much of her time contemplating life, life's meaning, and her purpose.
Reflection:
In the presentation, I learned that autistic children may require extra "chill time." I also learned that autistic children may relate more to objects rather than other students or people. I will consider these needs by allowing my students with autism time to "chill." To benefit all students in my classroom, I plan on creating a soft-lit reading corner filled with bean bags and pillows. I might allow my students with autism a chance to "chill out" individually in this comfortable area throughout the school day.
In her book and in her other writings, Barb discusses Dolly Parton's quote, "Find out who you are and be that on purpose," in relation to students with special needs. Barb urges teachers to take the extra time and put forth the additional energy required to help students with special needs live out Dolly's quotation. She focuses on the importance of identifying and then playing to each students' strengths. I really like Barb's SS's discussion of her experiences with Patrick, an autistic boy considered to be "profoundly retarded." Barb's SS figured out that Patrick excelled at Dance Dance Revolution and that he showed a particular interest in the cooking show, Barefoot Contessa. She then designed learning tasks for Patrick around those interests. Her efforts revealed that Patrick was incorrectly labeled "profoundly retarded." In fact, he had significant receptive language. In my future practice, I will go the extra mile to help my students reach their potential.
Was this information new, and how do you feel about it?
Although I arrived at this presentation with a basic understanding of autism, this presentation was illuminating. I love that Barb seeks to disprove the notion that "autism needs the world but the world does not need autism." Students and individuals with autism are to be learned from, valued, and respected.
Reflection:
How did this presentation change your view of those with Autism?
This presentation really enhanced my understanding of Autism. In listening to Barb's SS (Smiling Shrink), I was able to learn about Autism and the characteristics and needs of individuals with Autism, according to Barb's perspective. I was floored by Barb's elegant, eloquent, and often hilarious writing. Prior to this presentation, I knew and believed, in theory, that one's inability to communicate orally and/or conventionally does not dictate his or her intelligence. However, after listening to this presentation, I am now fully convinced of this reality. I will now make a conscious, real effort not to make any assumptions about an individual based on their ability to communicate conventionally.
How will you consider autistic children in your classroom in light of this presentation? How does the information you’ve learned affect your future teaching practice?This presentation really enhanced my understanding of Autism. In listening to Barb's SS (Smiling Shrink), I was able to learn about Autism and the characteristics and needs of individuals with Autism, according to Barb's perspective. I was floored by Barb's elegant, eloquent, and often hilarious writing. Prior to this presentation, I knew and believed, in theory, that one's inability to communicate orally and/or conventionally does not dictate his or her intelligence. However, after listening to this presentation, I am now fully convinced of this reality. I will now make a conscious, real effort not to make any assumptions about an individual based on their ability to communicate conventionally.
In the presentation, I learned that autistic children may require extra "chill time." I also learned that autistic children may relate more to objects rather than other students or people. I will consider these needs by allowing my students with autism time to "chill." To benefit all students in my classroom, I plan on creating a soft-lit reading corner filled with bean bags and pillows. I might allow my students with autism a chance to "chill out" individually in this comfortable area throughout the school day.
In her book and in her other writings, Barb discusses Dolly Parton's quote, "Find out who you are and be that on purpose," in relation to students with special needs. Barb urges teachers to take the extra time and put forth the additional energy required to help students with special needs live out Dolly's quotation. She focuses on the importance of identifying and then playing to each students' strengths. I really like Barb's SS's discussion of her experiences with Patrick, an autistic boy considered to be "profoundly retarded." Barb's SS figured out that Patrick excelled at Dance Dance Revolution and that he showed a particular interest in the cooking show, Barefoot Contessa. She then designed learning tasks for Patrick around those interests. Her efforts revealed that Patrick was incorrectly labeled "profoundly retarded." In fact, he had significant receptive language. In my future practice, I will go the extra mile to help my students reach their potential.
Was this information new, and how do you feel about it?
Although I arrived at this presentation with a basic understanding of autism, this presentation was illuminating. I love that Barb seeks to disprove the notion that "autism needs the world but the world does not need autism." Students and individuals with autism are to be learned from, valued, and respected.
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