special needs kids

[Linda/NE]

This summer I have 2 special needs children in my daycare. They are both about 8 years old but they are functioning around a 4 or 5 yr. old level. The boy has ADHD and I think the girls may be downs. The girl seems a little more higher functioning than the boy. I had the boy all through the school year and the girl just for the summer. They think the boy may be autistic and they are having him tested.

So my question is: Do any of you know of any good resource web sites where I can find info as situations arise to help in their care? I don't have a special ed degree and this is really my first experience with special needs kids.

My biggest concern is with the little boy. He doesn't understand time concepts at all. He is really thrown off since he's at daycare all day rather than just a couple hours after school. These 2 weeks since school got out he almost constantly asked when his dad will be there to pick him up. I don't know how to help him understand how long it will be. He will repeat "when is my dad going to pick me up?" for 15 minutes to a half hour straight. I can't even instruct the other kids in their activities because he interrupts me all the time. It's hard to not lose my patience with him, but it does get frustrating. Any help would be SOOO appreciated.

[JeannieOR]

I'm not an expert by any means but I have seen teachers use a picture of a clock with the hands set at the time the parent is due to arrive. This is usually placed next to a real clock or the child is given a watch to compare the picture to. (Autism spectrum children can respond particularly well to symbols.) It must be a real pain not having an official diagnosis to work with for these kids. According to my mental health nursing notes, "a predictable, structured environment is very important for for communtications handicapped children".

[Amy]

Jeannie is on the right path with visuals. Try making a board with symbols of everything you do in a day there (centers, storytime, crafts, snacks, play and etc). Line them in order of your typical day. After each symbol is done, have him take off the symbol to know that it is done and time for the next activity. Once all the symbols are gone, he will know it is time for him to go home. This worked really well for my son in pre-school. He could visualize how his day was suppose to go and how many actvities he needed to do before the end of the day. It stopped all the questions about time.

[vea29]

Jeannie is on the right path with visuals. Try making a board with symbols of everything you do in a day there (centers, storytime, crafts, snacks, play and etc). Line them in order of your typical day. After each symbol is done, have him take off the symbol to know that it is done and time for the next activity. Once all the symbols are gone, he will know it is time for him to go home. This worked really well for my son in pre-school. He could visualize how his day was suppose to go and how many actvities he needed to do before the end of the day. It stopped all the questions about time.
I agree...I've had a couple of children who had special needs (ADHD mainly).
And the thing I found is consistancy is very important. Like one ofmy children used to bounce all over after lunch....could not sit and relax on cot. So I could not get cleaning done until He was settled. Well after while ofme getting him settled every day. I would tell him I had to go wipe the tables but I would be right back. It took alot of reasuring but aftera while he got into the habitthat if he stayed on his cot I got my work done and could sit with him quicker.....Just get them into a routine....start out with little things like have him sit nextto you at circle so you could touch him...sometimes just keeping a hand on their back or arm calms them some.

Good luck

[angie r]

www.Autism.com

The symbols everyone is talking about is called a picture schedule. You can use pictures or symbols. My friend takes actual pictures and laminates them. So for instance you could take a picture of his dad.

Another thing that autistic kids need is physical input. If you find he won't sit still the best thing is to take him out of the situation and jump rope, throw a ball, tickle him. My friend has one of the big excersize balls that he bounces on. I also sewed a body sleeve for him that he gets in and rolls around. He also uses a pressure/weighted vest. Another thing that my friend has taught me is that you can be strict with him. If he keeps interrupting then you just say, "this is what we are doing right now," and place him into the activity again.

[Linda/NE]

Thank you!! I never thought of doing the picture schedule. My sister uses it with her preschool class and I have always had the intention of getting it set up for mine, but just never did it.

His mom told me to use time out and be firm with him. He has learned that if he is playing inappropriately with something (such as using play silverware as swords) that I will take it away and put him in time out.
I have found also with him if I can re direct him either by moving him to another area or just bringing up another subject (like the circus he just went to), he will 'forget' about waiting for him dad.

Thanks for the link Angie, I'll check it out.