Special Needs Question

laceface89

Hey guys, I don't mean to intrude, but I have a couple questions that I am sure someone here can help me answer.

I am a bus assistant, so I work with various special needs kids. My bus is mainly behavioral/ choice school kids, so we only have a few kids who are actually special needs.

One of our little pre-k guys is a little over 3, and we are pretty sure he is autistic. He avoids eye contact, and just doesn't seem to understand when you talk to him. We have a few books, and a couple baby dolls for our pre-k kids, to keep them entertained on the ride. This little boy has taken to throwing them towards the steps when he has decided he is done. I normally tell him, "L, we don't throw toys, put them here" and place the toy either in between the carseats, or in the other if it is empty. He just stares, blinks, etc. He doesn't talk much- mainly animals/ animal noises. Is there a way I can help him to understand, other then what I am currently doing?

We have another little boy who was born with cleft palate, and is normally very hard to understand. He also has severe separation anxiety to the point that he has to be in a harness and has days where I literally wrestle him into it. He then tries to hit other kids with other seat belts (I tie them down), and kicks/punches/bites when possible. I normally just tell him "T, I know you are angry, but it isn't nice to hurt me." or "You can kick the seat, but don't kick me, that hurts" He tells me he hates me, I tell him that is ok. He screams, and we ignore him. He normally settles with in ten minutes or so. Am I handling this properly? Other then reassuring him that he will see mom later, and that it is ok to be angry (but not to hurt others) what can I do for him to make his ride easier?

samanthav83

I am no expert, but have came in contact with many autistic children due to my son being in PT & OT at the same clinic and befriending some of the moms of these children.

 I don't see how there is anyway that you can make him understand.  From what I have learned from my friends is that it is a long process & any change that occurs will set them into a "fit". 

Besides what you listed above, does he not smile when smiled at or acknowledge other children his age playing around him?  Has he been to a PCP to determine if he is or isn't autistic.  It could be more of a psychological issue.

JenGK

Auntie, as always, gives good advice. 

For the ASD child, I'd simplify and shorten.  Something as simple as "No kicking."  Or, "[child's name], stop."  For the throwing, I'd try, "All done?  Clean up." and then show him where the items go when he is done with them.

laceface89

Thank you guys. The child that we suspect has autism isn't diagnosed. Technically he is only on the bus because he is in a carseat because of his age. I was talking with the aide in his class, and I guess they all think he is autistic as well. I will continue as I have, using shorter phrases.

As for the boy who has a separation anxiety type deal, we have stopped having mom bring him to the bus, which has helped a lot. The only problem, is that if he starts up in the house, she has to carry him out. I have talked to the assistant principal (she is in charge of buses) just wants to send him home or suspend him for a few days. That will just reinforce to him that "If I throw a fit,  I can stay with mommy" We have had him calm down fast a few times, in really silly ways. Once I was trying to distract him, pointing out a train. He covered his face, and I asked if he wanted a blanket to hide under. He did, so he hid for a few minutes, and came out as good as can be. Hasn't worked since though.

 We are firm believers in the bus being the first and last part of the school day. Our kids are greeted, we have blankets for cold mornings if the bus hasn't warmed yet, heck stickers each day for following the rules as they get on (sit, buckle, raise your hand, all quietly). They also get treats on Friday (which is fun, one can't have food coloring, some can't have candy, so we have a big assortment, haha).

I just want their rides to be easier. Sometimes I can make the boy with anxiety calm down, and sometimes he is completely upset till he gets to school. I like being able to send him off ready to learn and have a good time- not screaming for his mom.

Tigger9662

For the child who is throwing tantrums, you could try some sort of behavior modification program. Try to find out what will motivate him, a snack, a certain toy, music, etc. and have him earn it. Give him a star or token, or see how long it take him to settle down and work on reducing that time. You could have a "treasure chest" that the kids can turn in their tokens for a prize. I am not sure if this will work on your kids but I teach Mulitply Disabled high school students and those are just some of the behavior modifications we use. Also remember that noises can be extremely agitating to individuals with autism. The bus ride is probably very overwhelming for that child. Anything you can do to make his ride more comfortable would be great. Furthermore, all this should be addressed in their IEPs and if you are having trouble you should inform the school and the child's teacher. They should be able to give you tips on how to interact/deal with the child. I would also invest in some more manipulatives for them to play with. Stress balls, bean bags, silly putty (just make sure he doesn't eat it), toys that look like this (see below) are all great for kids with autism.