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A few weeks into October I got the word that I would be getting a new student. This happens during the year as students complete the evaluation for gifted. But this new student was unique. She is labeled in the Special Ed. world as “twice exceptional” or as having “dual exceptionalities.” Sara’s (not her real name) first classification is autism. I have been teaching for nearly 30 years, and yet, I had never had an autistic student. I was totally unprepared.
I will not share the trials here, but there were a few. Adjusting to a new schedule and a mixed-grade class was a struggle for Sara. It was an adjustment for me and for my other students. We walked on thin ice for the first few months. Then after Christmas, I took a workshop offered by our Special Ed department on autism. My eyes were opened. I understood.
In short, the autistic brain is up to 10% larger than the average brain. While as children our brains weed out unnecessary parts, the autistic brain just adds more in. The most enlightening thing the instructor said was this: “At any given time, the autistic child is giving you the best he can.” I believe in this statement. So I must give Sara my best.
I got some great ideas from the workshop for using visual cues to calm Sara when she has a meltdown. The visuals should include the student’s interests. Autistic children tend to have intense interest areas. I wanted to prepare by implementing a visual while she was calm. I talked to her about making a Wordle. A Wordle is a word cloud. On the website, wordle.net, you can create a word cloud like the one I made above. I told Sara she was going to make a Wordle of words she liked to help her calm down. She immediately responded, “I don’t want to do it.” She did not want to do something that would make her different, make her stand out. But when T. walked into class, I said, “Tell Sara about the Wordle you made last year.” I showed her the site and did a sample one.
Sara enjoyed making her Wordle and as other students joined the class that day, she became the expert for teaching others how to make one. She printed out her Wordle. I asked her if she wanted to print out a picture to go with one of her words. She chose Hershey’s chocolate. We placed the illustrated Wordle in the front of her binder in the clear sleeve. The binder stays under her desk.
A few days later, Sara became upset about something. She was just beginning to show signs of losing control. Her eyes teared up. Her voice changed tone. So I reached under her desk and pulled out her binder. She pointed to the Wordle and said, “Look! Hershey’s!” That was it. I said nothing. Her temper was dissipated. Just like that.
I believe in my students. I believe that miracles can happen. I believe that when we are open to differences and willing to work with them, our students’ and our own lives are enriched.
Reflections on the Teche 
That’s amazing! Sara is lucky to have a teacher who is willing to learn along side of her.
What a powerful story. What a lesson for us as teachers, to really see who our students are. A truly hopeful story.
Wow! Sending a link to some friends at school. Very interesting. Thank you for being willing to find what works but more importantly thank you for sharing. đŸ™‚
Powerful! Using a simple tool to make a huge difference!
I’m autistic, but wasn’t diagnosed until recently – as an adult. I absolutely adore this! Thank you for sharing it.
I admire you for taking the class to learn more, Margaret. We have several diagnosed in that spectrum, & they are all as different as any of the students, but thrive in their unique ways. Good for you for finding a help to ‘Sara’. Knowledge of self is always a help to students rather than having to depend on the power of others. Thanks for sharing this idea!
Wow. Good for you for taking the time to take the class, margaret. I’ve had a few autistic students over the years, and I’ve found that once you find a path, they are full of miracles.
I’ve also had a few students with autism. They do have an incredible amount of information going in without much of an outlet. Math, singing and art are all avenues for them though. Just have to find the key for each individual!
With one student, I found that taking pictures of them doing a daily chore, or of a vacation and then writing the story to go with their pictures helped them connect with the class as they shared it.
Is Tagxedo too difficult for this student? With it you can use a picture shape provided or make one of your own to put the words in. You may find putting spelling words or science terms in a comforting shape would also help.
Enjoy this rare opportunity to connect with this precious student!
Thanks so much for your advice. Trial and error here, but for the most part, she has been a delightful addition to our class.
Thank you Margaret for sharing this. You have helped me understand children with autism better. One thing I do know is they tend to be sensitive to loud noise, or repetitive sounds.
I will try and use a wordle. Thank you for the suggestion.
If you haven’t already seen it, I’d like to recommend The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida. It was eye-opening to me.
Sara is very lucky to have you as her teacher, one who is willing to go above and beyond to truly understand her students. Autistic students are not always easy but beautiful in their own way.
You believe in your students and YES, they know it!!!
Bravo Margaret.
Wow, Margaret! Every student should be lucky enough to have teachers who believe in them as much as you believe in your kids.
And, like Pamela said, you helped me learn more about Autism. Thank you.
Hi, Margaret. Wonderful post. When I visit as a poet-in-the-schools, I see *everyone* — classes here are mainstreamed. But I’m especially familiar with twice exceptional children because my son is gifted and dyslexic. Building on strengths and interests while supporting the areas where these kids struggle is so important. You’re doing a great job.
This story tells a lot about you as well as about Sarah. I know she appreciates having a teacher who wants to accept the best she can offer – and you are definitely doing your best for her, too. I have enjoyed the wordle site before, but will now consider is as more than just fun.