You have probably guessed by now that I am a teacher. I have had many experiences with learning disabilities and behavioural disorders (thats my specialty). Recently, most of these kids have been fully integrated into classrooms with little or no support. I, too, have become a classroom teacher (grade 2). I am familiar with Aspberger's and Autisim.

I have enjoyed reading all that you have taken the time to write (except Gargoyle, of course) and want to add my most current story without, I hope, sacrificing the personal privacy of my student.

In kindergarten and grade 1, he had at least 5 full blown temper tantrums a day. Needless to say, not much learning was occurrring. It was very difficult to assess him or to even get hearing and vision screening. He would not co-operate with anyone.

When he came to my class the first thing I noticed was that he was "an emotional sponge'. If I became frustrated or agitated, he became frustrated and agitated. If I was smiling, he was smiling. O.K. says I, keep it calm. I also realized that the source of his tantrums was his inability to communicate and his sense of powerlessness (is there such a word?).

I made a schedule with pictures. I taught him to be aware of time (he became my bell boy). When it was time for recess, lunch or end of the day clean-up, he rang the bell and made the announcement. He was very good with electronics. He became my video monitor. I learned that there were certain words that "triggered" him (especially the word, NO) and avoided their usage. I taught him the good manner words - now he says "excuse me" everytime anyone passes him. He now talks non-stop. In short, he's come a long ways. No tantrums in nearly 3 months. When he's confused, he now seeks hugs.

In less than a year, he has learned to read (he can memorize anything), he loves to draw, dance and sing, he writes in his journal and is at grade level in math.

The best thing of all is the socialization that has occurred in my classroom. The last time I had a "sub", she said she was amazed by the kindness and consideration of the other children. Yes, I can happily say that they treat this guy like a very special little brother. He is so easy to love. He makes us laugh at ourselves all the time. He says things to me that they could never get away with. If I tell this boy to do something he doesn't want to do, he asks me if I want to go home.

I think it makes the other kids realize that if they have skills, they should use them. In other words, it brings a very mature self-awareness to the others and has allowed them to develop empathy. He has taught us all something that is not contained in any book.

Trouble is, the other kids will often give in to him for the sake of peace (maybe kindness. I have to remind them that we are teaching him to share and take turns. He has learned to play with them and to use his words but he still requires time alone when exploring something new. He is more than accepted in this classroom.

I want to keep him next year and will suggest it to the principal. He will probably say I will need to teach a 2/3 split in order to keep him. I have a very heavy work load, and a split grade will not make my job easier but...

Then again, I know I should keep my professional distance and let him go. I'm sure next year will bring yet another experience but, oh, how I will miss him.

Children with autism are A-Z in their range of behaviours and abilities. Children with autism learn and grow just like other children and just like other children, they are easy to love.

I'll save Aspberger's for another post.

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