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Discipline and the Special Needs Child

June 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Parents of a special needs child can sometimes find themselves in sticky situations in regards to disciplining their special needs child. Most parents realize too late that discipline should start earlier rather than later. While you may not be able to discipline a special needs child the same way you would a child without disabilities, you can adapt your disciplinarian techniques to your special needs child. Adapting is something that a special needs parent know all about.

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Create simple rules for the whole house. Use simplified rules according to your child’s ability to understand them. Cover the most problematic behaviors first and then work from there. However, do not throw a lot of rules and regulations at your child at one time. Start with five or ten and you can begin to build from that. It may take a while to get the first five or ten down before you can move on to others.

Always praise for positive behaviors. Let’s face it what child doesn’t like praise at any age or cognitive level. When you reinforce the good behaviors, children will be more likely to repeat them. When the child preforms several good behaviors in a row, reward the child with something that they really love. The same can go for bad behavior, by taking the object away from the child, the child will make the connection. Not right away but eventually. This leads to the next topic.

Be consistent with discipline, without consistency chaos reigns. This rings true for every child but especially those with special needs. You provide structure for your child to live by and special needs children thrive on structure.

 

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Education On Disabilities Brings Understanding For Special Children

February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Helping children to understand what disabilities are and what special education will do for them in the event of a diagnosed disability. Is something that will help afflicted children to cope with the reality of their disability in the long-term of things. Because it is the unknown that a lot of us do fear the most and the “unknown” about disabilities is truly something that can make special boys and girls uncomfortable. The unknown aspects of a specific disability can be a very scary thing to the young mind. This is why education on disabilities is needed as much as possible. Therefore, if and when, a child is diagnosed with a certain kind of disability. The child should then be informed about his or her disability in full. No more. No less. All the facts will make a difference and help to lessen the fear. A child will no doubt feel as the result of a life-changing disability.


Once a diagnosis has been arrived at for a child’s particular form of disability. Parents are expected to understand what the diagnosis is all about and how the diagnosis can be something that will affect their son or daughter’s overall education/life. Students who have disabilities have the same rights as other students who do not have a disability. This is something that a parent of a special student must make sure to enforce to the fullest extent of the law. The right to getting an education must be protected just like the special child too.


Education on disabilities brings an understanding for special children. If parents and teachers make it a first priority to make sure that the afflicted child is told in detail about their specific disability. Disabilities are life-changing yes. But this does not mean a special child can not lead a normal life. Parents and teachers should stress this fact to the maximum. Life will indeed go on and so will the child. He or she can achieve and will achieve with the right helping hands.

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What Is ESE Learning?

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

What is ESE learning? It is no other than a specialized form of education called Exceptional Student Education and it is used to educate exceptional children. Exceptional children are defined as those. Who are very special students in that they require special learning for their specific type of disability. Any special children who live in the state of Florida are looked on as being exceptional students. Therefore, they require help to progress in their school studies, because of an existing disability that they do possess. ESE learning allows an exceptional child to get the very exceptional learning that they need to be the very best student in school that they are able to be.

ESE learning is used mainly to benefit students. Who suffer from some form of disability that can range from physical to emotional to mental to learning disabled in scope. Nonetheless, it can also be applied to other students as well. The other students who can learn from it are the gifted, the hearing and visually impaired, to those with ADHD. The learning that goes under this category of specific learning is broad and very diverse in delivery. It is a form of learning that seems to reach exceptional and other types of students very successfully in its own way.

ESE learning is also something that is required by special students. This is because. It is the very thing. Which will help to prepare them for the educational road and life beyond that road. Any child. Who is thought to qualify for ESE learning. Must first be approved by a special group of individuals. That will evaluate the child in their own way to determine what him or her needs are from an ESE perspective. Part of this evaluation team assembly is the parent or parents of said child in question. This evaluation will try to use some specific strategies first where the child is concerned. If the specific strategies fail. The team will then sanction an individual assessment for the child.

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Building Self-Confidence

January 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Because of poor academic performance and the feeling of being behind peers, children with learning disabilities tend to have low self-esteem and lack confidence. Chalking low self-esteem up to a childhood phase is damaging and can leave negative impressions on the child that can last into adulthood. Parents and educators need to be mindful of building up these children’s self-confidence and giving them positive feelings of self-worth.

Give your child a good foundation in problem-solving strategies and decision-making skills. Avoid judgmental comments or negative reactions that put the child down. Staying positive and speaking calmly makes a child less defensive.

Practice empathetic parenting. Yelling or making negative comments about your child’s behavior or academic performance only exacerbates the problem. Speak openly with your child concerning his learning disability. Most children have misconceptions about their problem and may think they’re just more stupid than their peers. Ensure them that this isn’t the case.

Before discipline is required, have your child contribute punishment ideas so he can claim ownership over his own behavior. You can do this by providing choices like asking if he needs to be reminded 10 minutes before having to dress for school. Since learning disabled children often have trouble focusing, reminders can help them stay on track, but in cases where a child can feel overwhelmed, limit choices.

Set realistic expectations both at home and at school. Setting goals beyond reach only leads to children feeling inadequate. Give them a chance to boost their self-esteem by drawing on their strengths and using those to help others. If an ADHD child who otherwise has disruptive behavior and problems focusing in class is actually a good helper, let him feel empowered by asking him to help another student with a cleaning chore or with carrying recreation equipment to and from the playground. Compliment these strengths. They may be the only compliments the child gets in a day.

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Finding Special Needs Schools with Canada 411

January 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Special needs children, including those with learning disabilities, often need alternative schools that can customize teaching curricula to each student. Canada 411 gives parents a convenient, quick way to find the phone numbers and website addresses of special needs schools near them.

Canada has many schools that focus on the education needs of students with learning disabilities. Some popular special needs schools in Canada include

•Wildwood Academy
•Shoore Centre for Learning
•Fraser Academy

Wildwood Academy in Oakville, Ontario focuses on making learning a positive experience for every student. The school uses small classes of about 10 students to give each child the attention that he or she needs to excel. The teaching staff has been trained to instruct children with a variety of learning disabilities, including ADHD, a common problem that many children experience. The school also places an emphasis on self-management to help the students learn how to succeed outside of the classroom.

Shoore Centre for Learning in Toronto, Ontario offers high school classes, tutoring and study skills support to help its students reach their goals. The school aims to help each student have a successful experience both in and outside of the classroom. Teachers are instructed to provide one-on-one attention to students to help ensure that they keep up with the class and avoid the frustration that often comes from falling behind.

Fraser Academy in Vancouver, British Columbia focuses on the needs of dyslexic children. The school holds classes for children in grades 1-12. It also offers small class sizes, individual tutoring and extracurricular activities to help children with learning disabilities obtain the tools that they need to progress through life with confidence.

Using Canada 411 can help you find a school in your city that matches the educational needs of your children. The service provides fast results that will help you narrow down your options so that you can find the right school for your special needs student.

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Creating a Home Structure for a Child with Learning Disabilities

January 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Helping a learning disabled child with homework can be frustrating, both for the child and the parent. Children with learning disabilities have a different way of looking at things than other people, therefore they have a special way of learning. No two children with one particularly disability may always learn the same way, so it’s important to draw on your child’s strengths and work on building up her confidence.

Parents can easily help their children perform better in school simply by taking an interest. Ask about what subjects they’re learning in the classroom, what books they’re reading, what their favorite subject is, and keep the conversation positive. Inquire about their homework and offer to look it over, even if it’s just to show an interest. This helps kids take ownership of their learning.

Establish a homework and reading routine. Kids with learning disabilities need structure, so having a set time each time devoted to schoolwork will make things go more smoothly. Designate a certain room and space for homework and reading. Make sure there’s plenty of light and that it’s free from distractions like toys and noise. Allow them to work independently when they can, but make sure they know to come to you when they have a question or encounter a problem or concept they don’t understand. Help them stay organized by keeping their workspace and backpacks free of clutter and file their homework in special folders so they can keep track of it.

Put concepts in a real-life perspective. If you’re helping your child with fractions, take out four quarters so they can visual that 25 cents is 1/4 of a dollar. If they’re learning about a subject at school that can be experienced with a quick trip to a nearby museum or library, take them on weekends and show excitement at the learning experience.

Be a role model in everything you do.

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ADHD

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As much as 10% of school age children have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD. These students have difficulty focusing and quite often their grades suffer.

There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. A child with inattentive ADHD is unable to pay attention. Taking tests are incredibly difficult because of the inability to focus. Even a sustained period of playtime can be difficult. Inattentive kids are forgetful, are unorganized, easily distracted, and can’t follow instructions. They often lose things or forget where they put them.

A hyperactive-impulsive child talks excessively, blurts out answers, and excessively plays. They may fidget in class because they’re unable to stay seated. They have problems waiting in line or taking turns and often interrupt others. The combined type is a combination of hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.

There are also coexisting conditions that show up in children with ADHD. As many as 35% of kids with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. This makes them more hostile and prone to trouble. Other conditions that affect 18%-25% of ADHD kids are mood and anxiety disorders. Generally the inattentive-type kids deal with depression and feelings of isolation. They tend to have low self-esteem and worry about their performance at school and in social areas.

Half of all kids with ADHD have a learning disability. The most common is dyslexia. Medications can help treat a child with the condition but they need extra help and support in school. Teachers and parents need to keep to a routine, following the same schedule each day. Environments need to be organized to avoid distractions. Limit choices given to the child to avoid them feeling overwhelmed. Creating a reward system for reaching their goals or for positive behavior has been known to keep them on track. Whether in school or home, discipline using time outs or by taking away stimulating objects to create a sense of boredom.

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Disabled People Can Use Distance Learning to Get Ahead

January 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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If you’re physically disabled, the hardship that would be put on you when it comes to attending a traditional college might be too great. Because of that, you could end up feeling as though you don’t have options. That’s not true, though. Just because you have a physically disability, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your intellectual ability. You can still attend college. Distance learning options make it easy for you to attend school in your own home, so you don’t have to try to go out and attend a traditional school in a classroom setting. That can make it easier for you to learn, and can also be more comfortable for you.

Although it’s wrong, disabled people often face ridicule and discrimination. If you’re on the other end of a computer terminal, no one knows that you’re disabled unless you tell them. Distance learning degrees from accredited schools have just as much validity and value as degrees that you would earn in a classroom, so there’s no reason not to go for it. You won’t have to worry about the way you’re treated or the logistics of getting to and from class. You also won’t have to worry about what you’ll do for a career, because your degree will open doors for you, even with your disability.

Whether you’re permanently disabled or it’s a temporary condition or problem that will improve with time, it’s still great to be able to earn your degree from the comfort of your own home. A lot of people are doing that today, and they find that distance learning gives them the option to study and learn when they want to, and to spend time with their family, as well. That can be a great feeling and a huge benefit for anyone who’s trying to get an education and start a career.

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Exceptional Student Education

January 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Exceptional Student Education (ESE) is a combination of special programs and services exclusively for students with special needs. In some school districts, this is referred to as special education. Schools with a special education program are devoted to providing quality education and catered services to students with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

An intellectual or learning disability is when an individual has well below average intellectual functioning. This can manifest itself in the form of academic delays and reduced function. Autism is one example of an intellectual disability, although many autistic individuals are high functioning and can do just fine in a standard classroom. For the more severe students, a special needs program is necessary.

Exceptional Student Education or Special Education teachers must be specially certified. They may hold an education degree in ESE or Special Ed. Different teachers have different methods of teaching exceptional students and many have to change their plans year after year with new students and disabilities. In some districts, behavior-problem children are also placed in Special Education classrooms simply for bad behavior, not due to a disability or special need. This can be distracting both for ESE students and faculty.

ESE curriculums are based on state and school district standards. Students may receive extra instruction or assistance from other teachers, instructional assistants, and speech pathologists or therapists. For the most severely disabled students, focus includes developing motor and mobility skills, learning adaptive technology, and undergoing physical therapy.

In some cases, students may make sufficient progress to be placed in a standard classroom. They may continue to work with an ESE teacher every day either in or outside of the classroom. The classroom teacher should work closely with the ESE teacher to determine the student’s special needs and to offer continuity in the development and teaching of certain skills.

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Creating a Wheelchair Accessible Classroom

January 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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Creating a wheelchair accessible classroom takes planning and flexibility. One of the best ways to determine what needs a wheelchair-bound student might encounter is put yourself in his or her shoes.

Most schools should already have sufficiently wide classroom doors. In order for a wheelchair to safely pass through, the door should at least be thirty-six inches wide. This is also true of the aisles in the classroom. Make sure that any desk arrangements leave at least thirty-six inches of space for a wheelchair to pass between. As more and more schools become overcrowded, this can be a tricky feat for classrooms with over thirty students. Check with other teachers to see if they have a creative solution to their desk arrangements.

If your school does not provide wheelchair accessible tables, bring up the issue at the next Parent-Teacher Association or Organization meeting. Being in a wheelchair brings with it certain physical challenges and it can be difficult to study or work without a proper table. Many of them come in styles similar to the look of classroom desks, so students do not have to feel different from their peers. You may want to consider arranging the desks so the wheelchair accessible one is near the classroom door or in an outer area from the other desks, however, setting up a wheelchair-bound student completely apart from his or her peers is not advised. Incorporate the accessible desk naturally into the arrangement among other students.

Observe the classroom from a seated level. Take a chair around all areas of the classroom or roll around in a wheeled teacher’s chair. Consider how high book and supply shelves are. In elementary schools, this isn’t so much of a problem because all units are built for shorter students, but higher shelves are quite common in upper grades. Think about any posters and other visual learning material on display around the classroom. Are these easily seen from a seated position?

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