Case
Autism Student and Personal Space

In my 6th grade class, I have a female student who has Autism. She is very hands on, meaning she likes touching other students. This makes the other students very uncomfortable. I have talked to her one on one and explained about "personal space" and that it even though she may feel she is being nice and friendly, that the other students feel different. She continues to do it. I have contacted administration who advised me to write a discipline when she does it. The problem is her mother works in the school and when she finds out that her daughter was written up, she contacts the principal who then throw out the discipline so their never are any consequences. How do I make this student aware that this is inappropriate and to get her to stop?

Posted on: 02/25/18 | Views: 594
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would explain to the student that it is against school rules to touch other students but you can high five or first bump them. I would also have a conference with the parent and explain how this is effecting other students and going against school policy. Ask for the parents support in the matter and see if the both of you can come up with some solutions to help the situation.

I agree. Working with the student and the parents is the best way to find a solution, particularly when the mother continues to be disruptive in the discipline process. You cannot do your job if the student cannot be corrected on inappropriate behavior.

27 0
Solution #2
Students with autism benefit a lot from examples and non-examples. I would look for a mentor text that addresses personal space for students with autism. I like that you conferenced with her, but try it again using a book addressing personal space that she may be able to better relate to. I found some from pinterest you could use: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235805730466086048/ Continue to keep trying, redirect her behavior immediately so she knows it is not tolerated. While administrative disciplines may not work, you could try to implement more in-class consequences such as loss of free time or separation from the group in an activity.

I like this idea. Giving the student different options is the best way to go.

7 0
Solution #3
I would create a discipline system in the class so that the student is disciplined by you. This would prevent the referral being intercepted in the office, and it would provide the students with the consequences needed for behavior correction.
1 0
Solution #4
I would have a meeting with whatever teachers are on the students' team and admin and explain what a distraction this is to the class and the other students. Whether the parent works there or not, the girl should be treated just as any other student would be treated.
1 0
Solution #5
I would tell the student that if they continue to break the rules, there will be consequences within the classroom. Instead of writing her up to administration, I would take away classroom privileges such as computer time, free time, etc.
1 0
Solution #6
If I were the teacher, I would begin giving her consequences within the classroom if administration won't help. I would also meet with her mom individually and explain the severity of the situation and converse of ways to stop the problem.
1 0
Solution #7
I think a social story about keeping your hands to yourself may be beneficial for this student with autism and give her, her more space from the other students so she can't distract them. always redirect her misbehavior to something else, she may just need to keep her hands busy, I would allow her to have a fidget toy. I would definitely confront her Mom about the intervening in discipline and asks what she would recommend and work together to come up with a solution.
1 0
Solution #8
I think if I were the teacher I would ask for a meeting the administration. I understand that the mother works at the school, but the administration needs to support the teacher as a teacher.
1 1
Solution #9
The best way to break a habit is being consistent. So come up with a plan and stick with it. Do not cave. Keep it constant.
0 0
Solution #10
Since the principal is throwing out the write-ups, use a behavior chart in the classroom. Let the student know that there will be consequences for not following the rules.
0 0
Solution #11
First of all i would get the parents involved in creating a plan. Second I would talk with the student that she needs to keep her hands to herself. It takes some effort to build a habit, however, every time that she touches someone she can loose points and lose privileges at the end of the day.
0 0
Solution #12
One solution might be to determine the function of the behavior. If it is attention maintained, it should be ignored and then offer positive reinforcement when the student is providing appropriate personal space or has gone a certain duration without touching another student.
1 2
Solution #13
In attempt to eliminate the number of times the student touches or intrudes the space of another student, I would place the student at an individual work space when she performs the act without stopping. The parent is actively involved in the child's education if she works at the school- reach out to mom and have a conference to brainstorm ways to eliminate the issue.

I dont think that isolating the student would benefit anyone. I think that it would agitate the student and their parents.

3 6