I am a 1:1 para and this year I will be working with a 15 year old boy with the combination of downs and autism. Has anyone ever worked with this combo before. All will be helpful
Re: autism and down syndrome
You should first stop worrying about the “combo”. Each child is
different and will present with his own set of strenghs and weaknesses, regardless of a diagnosis. Get to know the child
first and what he likes/dislikes. Learn what his strengths are
and teach to those. Seek creative, fun ways to remediate weaknesses. Chances are, the child is very visual. Both children with Down syndrome and autism seem to be more visual and
have auditory processing deficits. You could talk to an ot that
specializes in sensory integration to get some ideas for tactile
issues.
Most of all, treat your student as a person and not a label.
Melissa
You should first stop worrying about the “combo”. Each child is
different and will present with his own set of strenghs and weaknesses, regardless of a diagnosis. Get to know the child
first and what he likes/dislikes. Learn what his strengths are
and teach to those. Seek creative, fun ways to remediate weaknesses. Chances are, the child is very visual. Both children with Down syndrome and autism seem to be more visual and
have auditory processing deficits. You could talk to an ot that
specializes in sensory integration to get some ideas for tactile
issues.
Most of all, treat your student as a person and not a label.
Melissa