Case
ESE Student Disrupts the Class

When I was interning in a kindergarten classroom, there was one girl who was diagnosed with autism. She was five years old and non-verbal. When things seemed to upset her it was very clear though loud vocalizations and tantrums. The teacher requested to have 1-to-1 aide work with the student but it took months before receiving the help. During that time, teaching time was wasted due to the teacher having to redirect her attention to deal with that student. What kinds of tools could she have used to prevent these behaviors and not take away from the rest the class?

Posted on: 10/08/17 | Views: 865
Solution #1
Top Solution
A possible solution could of been to have the student work with a buddy. She also could of pulled her for small group work. Seating her next to the teacher so she could easily and quickly correct and redirect her. This would of helped before things escalated to tantrums. Redirection quickly and reminders are very important for ASD. Giving her Ipad to help with some teaching of lesson so that student could of had head set on and focus more.
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Solution #2
Come up with a sign/chant that signals "quiet in the classroom" or maybe a toy that may comfort the student when they have an outburst. Another idea would be to put on a quick educational song to do with the class to create a distraction for the child to calm them down. Music seems to work a lot of the time.
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Solution #3
It would be a good idea to really analyze the situations to see if there are triggers to the breakdowns. Is the student overstimulated, perhaps a sensory processing issue? It can be something as simple as the lighting that becomes too much for a child with ASD to deal with. It could be a change in schedule or procedures too. Once you find the triggers, you can make certain changes in the classroom and lessen the number of breakdowns.
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Solution #4
After a few of the students out bursts the teacher could pull the student aside for a while to try to see what the cause of the tantrums were. Once the teacher figured out what the child needed they could come up with a hand signal or another way for the student to communicate what they needed. It is likely that the student was frustrated due to being misunderstood. This method would give the teacher a clear understanding of what the student needed and also provide the student with a more appropriate outlet.

If I were in this situation, I would do exactly this. The student needs to be spoken to individually before additional measures need to be taken.

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Solution #5
Give the student other activities to do and to help her learn make accommodations to her learning style.
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Solution #6
In my experience with students that are on the ASD spectrum, they have specific triggers that cause tantrums. Especially in the younger ages. Triggers can range from students getting too much attention, not enough attention, unexpected breaks in routine, and even certain setting ticks that bother the student. I would keep a personal log as the teacher and record my observations at each outbreak. Once you find the triggers, then the teacher can address and accommodate.
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Solution #7
I think it would first be highly beneficial to identify the student's specific triggers. Once they are identified, the student could be provided with headphones, coloring pages, a sensory box, fidget toys, or other resources to be used when triggering events occur. This will allow the student to begin soothing themselves, a good skill to have for the future! Additionally, you could create a "calm down corner" in your classroom for all students to utilize when feeling overwhelmed.
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Solution #8
You can place her in special seating at her desk, place her near to the teacher, or allow her to play knowledge games on the computer.

I would not do this, I do not think this will provide a permanent solution to the problem.

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Solution #9
This is something I feel we will all face at one point in our lives. I always felt that if you give attention to a person who is acting irrationally, then they will keep acting the same way to keep getting that attention. So, I would say try to ask that student to go to a safe space and work it out.
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Solution #10
Try to find a way for the student to let the teacher know what is upsetting her. If the teacher can find a way for her to get her feelings out she may stop the tantrums. Maybe try teaching the child simple sign language.
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