No malice on my part. Really need input!

[Allegra]

Congratulations! I advise you focus most of the time on providing resources and solutions that can be implemented immediately. A lot of teachers get to go to talks where the entire time is spent on definitions, data, blame placing, and shameless name dropping. There is rarely any time left over to plan realistic alternatives or interventions or demonstrate practical things that teachers can do to help such students. If you provide an handout, DON’T print out a copy of your powerpoint slides! The teachers will smile as you hand them out and then immediately, they will be filed in the big blue filing cabinet. Instead, give out a handout with no more than two pages of RESOURCES where the teachers can get practical tips, demonstrations of best practices, and instructional materials. Try to include books, websites, videos, instructional materials. Even better, offer your email or webpage at the top of the handout and allow them to access these resources online.

 

[Sue_D_Num]

Yes, my wrong for not catching the mistake. Stimming is short for stimulate. And I am now finding I really do need to get reading glasses. Making far too many errors!

My son is verbal bit his “stim” is happy screaming when he is too stimulated and excited.

 

[1990Domer]

Congratulations! I advise you focus most of the time on providing resources and solutions that can be implemented immediately. A lot of teachers get to go to talks where the entire time is spent on definitions, data, blame placing, and shameless name dropping. There is rarely any time left over to plan realistic alternatives or interventions or demonstrate practical things that teachers can do to help such students. If you provide an handout, DON’T print out a copy of your powerpoint slides! The teachers will smile as you hand them out and then immediately, they will be filed in the big blue filing cabinet. Instead, give out a handout with no more than two pages of RESOURCES where the teachers can get practical tips, demonstrations of best practices, and instructional materials. Try to include books, websites, videos, instructional materials. Even better, offer your email or webpage at the top of the handout and allow them to access these resources online.

Thank you! I have 40 minutes, and the only definition I am going to give them is of invisible disabilities. The rest will all be practical. I will get help from son son’s therapist for resources. I don’t even think I am going to do a PP presentation. Just a white board. And leave at least 10 minutes for questions. If none, then I will point out how the lack of support these kids receive from teachers manifests itself in worse ways. Unintended consequences and all.

 

[pianistclare]

Thank you! I have 40 minutes, and the only definition I am going to give them is of invisible disabilities. The rest will all be practical. I will get help from son son’s therapist for resources. I don’t even think I am going to do a PP presentation. Just a white board. And leave at least 10 minutes for questions. If none, then I will point out how the lack of support these kids receive from teachers manifests itself in worse ways. Unintended consequences and all.

Don’t you think they already know the consequences? I mean, presumably that’s why they are there. Not to commiserate, but to get links and resources.
I would think it would be better to inspire people to take action, educate themselves, and become catechists that are sensitive to the various learning styles and special issues.

Or are these people who are catechists that have no idea that there are students with “invisible” disabilities.
I don’t think it’s an issue of invisibility…,I think it’s more that people have no clue how to proceed. That’s how I have ended up with Autistic and Asperger students. People just think it’s too hard, or they have no idea where to begin. I would think taking away that factor of dear would go a long way to having people learn more and want to help.

Will you be recruiting catechists?

 

[jilly4ski]

This might help

ncpd.org/ministries-programs/specific/autism

 

[1990Domer]

Don’t you think they already know the consequences? I mean, presumably that’s why they are there. Not to commiserate, but to get links and resources.
I would think it would be better to inspire people to take action, educate themselves, and become catechists that are sensitive to the various learning styles and special issues.

Or are these people who are catechists that have no idea that there are students with “invisible” disabilities.
I don’t think it’s an issue of invisibility…,I think it’s more that people have no clue how to proceed. That’s how I have ended up with Autistic and Asperger students. People just think it’s too hard, or they have no idea where to begin. I would think taking away that factor of dear would go a long way to having people learn more and want to help.

Will you be recruiting catechists?

I don’t think I will be recruiting cathechists. From what I understand, this lecture earns them continuing Ed credits. Actually, they don’t know yet that my talk in on the slate. The final speaker list is coming out next week. This was a brainstorm by my pastor because the event is being held at our church.

Honestly, I need to politely disagree with you about the invisible part. My son’s teachers were pretty darn clueless. Also, we are talking quite mild spectrum kids. These kids are pretty much mainstreamed with no supports. In our diocese, the kids with more severe spectrum issues haven’t made their sacraments. There are no classes.

What I meant by consequences is this. In my son’s case, clueless teachers handled bullying situations poorly and my son–out of anxiety–starting injuring himself to relieve the stress. Teachers here not only didn’t know how to proceed, they didn’t have a clue about autism (with the exception of Rain Man).

 

[pianistclare]

I don’t think I will be recruiting cathechists. From what I understand, this lecture earns them continuing Ed credits. Actually, they don’t know yet that my talk in on the slate. The final speaker list is coming out next week. This was a brainstorm by my pastor because the event is being held at our church.

Honestly, I need to politely disagree with you about the invisible part. My son’s teachers were pretty darn clueless. Also, we are talking quite mild spectrum kids. These kids are pretty much mainstreamed with no supports. In our diocese, the kids with more severe spectrum issues haven’t made their sacraments. There are no classes.

What I meant by consequences is this. In my son’s case, clueless teachers handled bullying situations poorly and my son–out of anxiety–starting injuring himself to relieve the stress. Teachers here not only didn’t know how to proceed, they didn’t have a clue about autism (with the exception of Rain Man).

well, those catechists WILL be teaching these kids. Catechists have to have so many hours in the many different types of methodology to remain certified.
And, I don’t think I was disagreeing.
they need specific strategies is what I’m saying. Not necessarily a talk about how awful it can be. This is your change to change minds, change perceptions!
Take advantage of it!
Good luck!

 

[1990Domer]

This might help

ncpd.org/ministries-programs/specific/autism

Thank you for the link. I think our diocese is nowhere near having inclusive classes. Let me say this, I was the first person to bring up the concept of invisible disabilities…not only autism, but OCD, sensory integration disorders, anxiety, sell five mutism…to name a few.

My talk is tailored to let educators know these kids are out there and are being bullied. Once again, these aren’t kids who have more severe disabilities. These are kids who can fly solo, but their quirks/lacking of social skills make them low hanging fruit for pranks and bullying. I’m there to tell them that these kids may not yet have a diagnosis, so please do not judge their actions as belligerent because there may be more to the story.

The fact that I am being asked to even broach the topic is a huge leap. Kids like mine are often not welcomed in a school where the parents feel that my kid will pull down the quality of education of their kid (entitlement attitude). Really Christian, huh? Funny thing is that my son leaving the school will pull down the overall test scores of the school because he is far from mentally handicapped. He should be taking high school science, math and religion, but we will not allow it because of his social immaturity.

 

[Xantippe]

well, those catechists WILL be teaching these kids. Catechists have to have so many hours in the many different types of methodology to remain certified.
And, I don’t think I was disagreeing.
they need specific strategies is what I’m saying. Not necessarily a talk about how awful it can be. This is your change to change minds, change perceptions!
Take advantage of it!
Good luck!

Strategies are a really good approach to use your 40 minutes as effectively as possible.

Possible outline:

1. What are invisible disabilities?
2. What problems may arise in the classroom setting?
3. How to deal effectively with them?

If you have spare funds (ha ha!) I’d be tempted to buy a copy of a slender, non-threatening intro to Asperger’s or autism and hand it out to whoever talks to you afterward and needs it. I’ve done that in the past for my oldest kid’s teachers.

Here are some good thin, non-threatening intros:

Jude Welton’s “Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome?” There’s a newer book entitled “Can I tell you about autism?” I can’t speak to whether it’s an improvement, but it’s out there.)

Matt Winter’s “Asperger Syndrome: What Teachers Need to Know.” I have an old edition of that, but I see there’s a new one out.

 

[1990Domer]

well, those catechists WILL be teaching these kids. Catechists have to have so many hours in the many different types of methodology to remain certified.
And, I don’t think I was disagreeing.
they need specific strategies is what I’m saying. Not necessarily a talk about how awful it can be. This is your change to change minds, change perceptions!
Take advantage of it!
Good luck!

Can I ask what diocese you are in? Honestly, because our cathechists (not religion teachers in Catholic school) get minimal training. Basically, a teacher’s guide is thrown at them and they are set free. I kid you not. This is true for all the parishes around me.

 

[1990Domer]

Strategies are a really good approach to use your 40 minutes as effectively as possible.

Possible outline:

1. What are invisible disabilities?
2. What problems may arise in the classroom setting?
3. How to deal effectively with them?

If you have spare funds (ha ha!) I’d be tempted to buy a copy of a slender, non-threatening intro to Asperger’s or autism and hand it out to whoever talks to you afterward and needs it. I’ve done that in the past for my oldest kid’s teachers.

Here are some good thin, non-threatening intros:

Jude Welton’s “Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome?” There’s a newer book entitled “Can I tell you about autism?” I can’t speak to whether it’s an improvement, but it’s out there.)

Matt Winter’s “Asperger Syndrome: What Teachers Need to Know.” I have an old edition of that, but I see there’s a new one out.

I will check into those and show them to my son’s therapist. I am going to meet with my son’s therapist who has given such talks for Sunday school teachers. Sadly, the Protestant denominations have done a far better job of inclusiveness than our Archdiocese.

 

[1990Domer]

With the exception of non-parish schools, there is huge pressure to not allow students with even a minor spectrum diagnosis (my son is holding on to his by a string) into the school because parents don’t want the reputation tarnished. The high school I plan on sending my son to has a specific learning differences program. It is a Christian Brothers all boys school. Only non-diocese schools accept children with learning differences/invisible disabilities. They are also very expensive. Thankfully, God has blessed our family with the resources to help our son. It’s those that don’t have what we have that really hurts me.

 

[1990Domer]

Don’t you think they already know the consequences? I mean, presumably that’s why they are there. Not to commiserate, but to get links and resources.
I would think it would be better to inspire people to take action, educate themselves, and become catechists that are sensitive to the various learning styles and special issues.

Or are these people who are catechists that have no idea that there are students with “invisible” disabilities.
I don’t think it’s an issue of invisibility…,I think it’s more that people have no clue how to proceed. That’s how I have ended up with Autistic and Asperger students. People just think it’s too hard, or they have no idea where to begin. I would think taking away that factor of dear would go a long way to having people learn more and want to help.

Will you be recruiting catechists?

My apologies…I misread a line. Yes, these people are cathechists that have no idea that there are students with learning differences. Oh my gosh, when I suggested a class at my old parish the REC director ripped me a new one. We homeschooled our child from there on out.

The big line I hear is that we don’t have the resources to dedicate a class to these kids. Our chatechists are volunteers who get free REC tuition. Sadly, many of them are cafeteria Catholics who rarely attend church.

 

[Allegra]

With the exception of non-parish schools, there is huge pressure to not allow students with even a minor spectrum diagnosis (my son is holding on to his by a string) into the school because parents don’t want the reputation tarnished. The high school I plan on sending my son to has a specific learning differences program. It is a Christian Brothers all boys school. Only non-diocese schools accept children with learning differences/invisible disabilities. They are also very expensive. Thankfully, God has blessed our family with the resources to help our son. It’s those that don’t have what we have that really hurts me.

Are these teachers all teaching in Catholic schools or are some of them assigned to teach Catechism after school to students who don’t attend Catholic schools? I have found that those who teach PSR in my area rarely have any training at all in teaching students with any kind of disability. I have heard some heartbreaking comments made about such children and their families from some teachers when I volunteered for PSR. I find it really sickening.

 

[1990Domer]

Are these teachers all teaching in Catholic schools or are some of them assigned to teach Catechism after school to students who don’t attend Catholic schools? I have found that those who teach PSR in my area rarely have any training at all in teaching students with any kind of disability. I have heard some heartbreaking comments made about such children and their families from some teachers when I volunteered for PSR. I find it really sickening.

Can I assume PSR is religious education? If so, none of the Catholic school teachers teach religious Ed. Actually, most of the religious Ed teachers are not teachers in any capacity. The bulletin just begs for volunteers…so long as you have your child abuse clearance.

So, if a child is out in a religious Ed class with a disability, he or she is more or less doomed because the “teachers” having no teaching qualifications, let along knowing how to teacher a child with disabilities.

Those heartbreaking comments are what I plan to talk about, because my son is a member of that group. And trust me, it is not a popular group. I wouldn’t even want to know what your heard about said children’s families. Guaranteed I heard at least one or two.

 

[1990Domer]

Before I go to bed, I wanted to thank every one of you for your (name removed by moderator)ut and support.

God bless.

 

[Allegra]

Can I assume PSR is religious education? If so, none of the Catholic school teachers teach religious Ed. Actually, most of the religious Ed teachers are not teachers in any capacity. The bulletin just begs for volunteers…so long as you have your child abuse clearance.

So, if a child is out in a religious Ed class with a disability, he or she is more or less doomed because the “teachers” having no teaching qualifications, let along knowing how to teacher a child with disabilities.

Those heartbreaking comments are what I plan to talk about, because my son is a member of that group. And trust me, it is not a popular group. I wouldn’t even want to know what your heard about said children’s families. Guaranteed I heard at least one or two.

Many of our PSR teachers in our parish are actual teachers or retired teachers. However, many of those that are teach or taught in the parish school. THey openly look down on the PSR kids and family in the first place. I can’t understand why anyone would volunteer to teach kids they look down on. One teacher said she volunteers to do it because it’s the only way for her to make sure her classroom doesn’t get trashed. I guess I can understand that.

 

[Modern_Revert]

Proud to have you in my Archdiocese!

 

[1990Domer]

Many of our PSR teachers in our parish are actual teachers or retired teachers. However, many of those that are teach or taught in the parish school. THey openly look down on the PSR kids and family in the first place. I can’t understand why anyone would volunteer to teach kids they look down on. One teacher said she volunteers to do it because it’s the only way for her to make sure her classroom doesn’t get trashed. I guess I can understand that.

Can I ask what PSR is? Are these public school kids who need to attend religious Ed? Do your teachers get a grey because she believe all Catholic families should send their kids to Catholic schools? To be realistic, really do not have the resources to teach kids other than your typical cookie cutter child. Plus there is rarely a nurse, the county provided a counselor for 1/2 day per week, no physical/occupational/speech therapists and no librarian. Last year the technology teacher was trying to teach reading. What a disaster. Our schools are hurting.

 

[Allegra]

Can I ask what PSR is? Are these public school kids who need to attend religious Ed? Do your teachers get a grey because she believe all Catholic families should send their kids to Catholic schools? To be realistic, really do not have the resources to teach kids other than your typical cookie cutter child. Plus there is rarely a nurse, the county provided a counselor for 1/2 day per week, no physical/occupational/speech therapists and no librarian. Last year the technology teacher was trying to teach reading. What a disaster. Our schools are hurting.

I think it currently stands for Parish School of Religion, though it’s commonly referred to as Public School Religion. Many Catholic school teachers, like so many others in our society, feel that in order to self-justify their own life choices (eg. choosing to teach in a Catholic school or sending their own children to a Catholic school) they have to criticize, and even demonize those who do not choose the same. From their standpoint, public school kids are innately ill-behaved, illiterate, too liberal, and don’t care about their faith. Their parents are too selfish with their time and money to really care about their kids, teach them discipline, or make certain they are active in parish activities. (The last one is especially funny, since these same women intentionally plan parish activities to make it difficult for the public school kids to attend.)