Reflection of Personal Growth

This has been a very interesting course.  After moving from the UK, it has provided an introduction to working with children with exceptionalities. I think it was much more beneficial being a classroom teacher in the Ontario system while taking the course because I was able to see examples of the different exceptionalities on a daily basis. Ironically, I found that being an occasional teacher served as an advantage because I would go into a different classroom nearly every day, thus I saw a wider variety of exceptionalities compared to being in one classroom all of the time.
During the course, I began going to one school in particular and again this was helpful with the course because I was able to get to know the Resource Teacher and see things at a deeper level.
So all in all, I couldn't have taken this course at a better time.  It was a great introduction.

I think many people go on to work more specifically in this area, however upon reflection, I still like the idea of how children are mainstreamed in the class and I think I am better suited to dealing with the children in this way, rather than in a more concentrated manner.

All in all, I think have grown as a teacher, by taking this course and so I would reccomend it to anyone teaching in the Ontario school system.

Plans to Develop Further Knowledge and Skills

My plans to develop further knowledge and skills are simple.  I think because of the sheer amount of exceptionalities and because of the complex nature of them (and the fact that there can be multiple within one child), my plan depends on the children in my class. I currently have a wide range of children with exceptionalities and so this will be my focus.  Because of the age group (grade 2) some of these children are undiagnosed officially.  I know this will be harder but at least I have a wide range of resources (in this portfolio) that I can turn to for advice and support.
Therefore, my answer to this question will be: when needed so that I can best support the children in my own class.

ASD - through OCSB

 

 

"In each one is seen the face of God" - Jean Vanier

An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)  is a neurodevelopmental disability that can cause persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and behavioural challenges.  

Diagnostic criteria of ASD have been more clearly defined and broadened in recent years.   A diagnosis now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is almost five times more common among boys than among girls. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC, 2012) estimates that about 1 in 68 children has been identified with ASD.

The essential features of ASD are persistent impairment in reciprocal social communication and social interaction, and restricted patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. These symptoms are present from early childhood and limit or impair everyday functioning.  Symptoms of ASD fall on a continuum, with some individuals showing mild symptoms and others having much more severe symptoms.

ASD

Excellent Informational Clip on ASD:

IEP's

This is a great resource for correctly writing an IEP:
www.edugains.ca