One form of bullying that occurs when many students (and adults!) don't even know it is happening is the use of the word "retard".

Please read the following blog post written by a mom about her daughter and the use of the r-word:

"Being Retarded"

I think she shares such a powerful message here. I felt empowered after reading this post for the first time, because I truly understood why it was such a terrible word to use.

Confession time: I used to use that word all.the.freaking.time. Finally, when I started taking my college classes for my special education degree, I "got it" and thought, "Enough is enough. I need to stop." With the help of some friends, I was able to finally get myself to stop using that word.

After reading that blog post for the first time, I remember thinking "thank goodness I no longer use that word!". I felt as though I would be a total disappointment of a special education teacher if I still did. Then, as stated before, I felt empowered. I had co-workers who still used that word regularly, and totally out of context! I wanted it to stop!

I found that the best way for me to approach the subject was in a one-on-one or small group situation, explaining how much it bothered me when they used that word. Then, you know what I did? I sent them the link to that blog post! How much more powerful that message is from the mother of a girl with disabilities than from me!

And, you know what? Those people stopped using that word in front of me. Notice how I say "in front of me". I have NO idea if they still use that word in other areas of their life, and it isn't my job to police that. But, they do not use it in front of me, and I appreciate that. I just hope that I helped to make enough of a difference in their life that they see that word in a totally different way.

Want more information or to sign the pledge to stop using the r-word? Go to www.r-word.org to help "spread the word to end the word". It's a great website with tons of information and videos on the topic!

Here is the video we watched in class today about Eric!

See you next week!
Mrs. Hoekwater & Mrs. Bosch

Today we talked about a very hard and sad topic.
Bullying.

Here is some information about the bullying and harassment of students with autism and disabilities. I think those of us working with kids with autism have a different type of challenge before us. One thing you have learned about people with autism is that social and communication cues are very difficult. Therefore, when you think about someone mocking or teasing a person with autism, a lot of times it goes right over that person's head. This can be a good thing because often they do not realize, but that can also make it a harder thing to combat.

I remember sitting at a lunch table a few years ago and watching a large group of popular boys tease and mock a student with very high functioning autism. Of course I stood up for the boy, but it was very difficult for me to get through to that boy that the other boys were making fun of him. All he knew is that they were popular, they were talking to him and they were laughing (which in his mind meant he was funny). This is why it is so important (in my eyes) for people to know and understand this about autism and to be willing to stick up for their peers. This is one reason why LINKS is SO important in this school.

This is taken from AutismSpeaks.org on the subject of bullying and harassment:

"Children with special needs face unique challenges for dealing with bullying. They often stand out from their peers in ways that make them targets for bullying, and children who have difficulty with social interactions have an even higher risk of being bullied. 

Bullying certainly isn't a new problem; it has existed for generations. Historically, many have seen it as a rite of passage, a type of de facto hazing. According to Dr. Peter Raffalli, a pediatric neurologist at the Children's Hospital in Boston, Mass., this attitude is, in many cases, more dangerous than the bullies themselves. "No matter how you look at it, bullying is a form of abuse victimization, plain and simple," said Dr. Raffailli. "It's a case of the strong - or at least the stronger - preying on the weak. It says volumes about where we are as a culture and race."

Bullying has negative effects on all its victims, but kids with special needs are especially vulnerable, according to Nancy A. Murphy, M.D., FAAP and chair of the AAP Council on Children with Disabilities Executive Committee. "Since these children already struggle with self-esteem issues," said Dr. Murphy, "bullying has a greater impact and they desire to fit in, and are less likely to stand up for themselves.""

The following article is also a great informational piece about why bullying is so harmful to students with disabilities and how to best combat it.
10 Facts About Bullying of Students with DisabilitiesDownload File

Whew! Heavy topic for the week. I hope you got a lot out of it though! Please go and check the homework tab for what I want you to do with this information.

Mrs. VanLaan, Mrs. Hoekwater, & Mrs. Bosch

Hello all and welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your spring break!

Today we were able to listen to our district's occupational therapist, Mary Kleinheksel. She provided lots of insight into just what Occupational Therapy is, as well as many of the techniques she uses to help students with their fine motor skills, their focus, and their emotions.

Miss Mary comes to our class to work with the boys every other Tuesday during 2nd hour. I wish you could all come and experience it with us!

I know there was A LOT of information in a short amount of time, so please watch this video clip that recaps what occupational therapy is and how it can help people with autism. After watching, don't forget to comment on two things that you learned.

I hope that this presentation and information will help you to work with the boys and to better understand them and their actions!

Head on over to the Homework tab--there are two  assignments for this week!

Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!

-Mrs. Hoekwater & Mrs. Bosch

Hi Everyone,

So, so, so proud of you for all of the great work you have done this week! Autism Awareness Week has been another hit. I am excited by the fact that everyone seemed ready to pitch in and help with all of our planned activities. Thank you for ALL of your hard work and for being so brave!

Head on over to the homework tab to see what is due April 16th.

Have a GREAT spring break!!

-Mrs. Hoekwater & Mrs. Bosch