early childhood area as research clearly indicates that the earlier intervention is started, the better the outcome. I asked what changes she’d like to see made in the future for special education and specifically for autism. “I’m concerned about bullying and its profound impact, especially kids on the autism spectrum. In the general adolescent population, roughly 10 percent of children have been bullied. A recent study indicated that 46 percent of middle and high-school students with autism disorder have been bullied.” Another concern as they become adults is the high unemployment rate for people on the autism spectrum. One of the focuses on the teenagers is to establish the areas they excel. Most show strength in certain aspects of memory, visual perception or other talents. Her background in PE has come in handy in ways Kathy hadn’t planned, especially in helping her understand the human body and how it works. It’s also put the value of activity and motion into perspective. During the summer months, Kathy runs the Communication And Socialization Training (CAST) programs, through the co-op for children ages 2-10 with communication and socialization needs. Children from across the co-op area are eligible to attend. “This is the fun time of year for me. I enjoy interacting with the children, getting to know each child’s personality, and I like the challenge of the ‘on the spot’ thinking. We enjoy watching their changes and growth.” Working with a terrific staff, they rely on each other. Kathy smiles as she talks about one of her summer students, our grandchild, Wyatt Paulson, and of the leaps and bounds we’ve seen him accomplish over the past few years. “Most people don’t understand how children with autism look at the world. They like routine, and their way of adapting to any change is similar to the rest of us, and how we perceive things will be in any given situation.” “If you were going out to eat, you’d have a certain expectation about the environment, depending where you planned to dine. If you planned on meeting some friends at McDonalds, you would dress accordingly. Then, if your friends changed the plans and decided on the restaurant part of Black Bear, the emotional adjustment of what you had expected your lunch environment to be would maybe make you uncomfortable that you’re wearing old jeans and a T-shirt. But you’d adjust.” For a child with autism, if someone changes their routine, changes
their perception of what will happen next, that’s when a meltdown might occur, and that’s where patience comes in. Children with autism like boundaries and structured schedules, not change. Because most children on the spectrum are visual learners, using visuals provides a means to make change more comfortable. “We learn to mix it up slowly for them, teaching them flexibility.” Kathy explains. “Making very small changes in their daily routine so they can adapt and adjust to something that is not always going to be exactly how it was the day before. It’s about those little changes that can eventually make a big difference in their lives.” I asked if she’s noticed a change in society’s view toward the children she’s taught over the years. “Society is gaining acceptance, moving now toward respecting the uniqueness and tapping into the talents,” said Kathy. And what could be improved in the development and help for autism? “We need better local resources,” Kathy replied. “More communication between providers, and more accessible trained and experienced ‘problem-solvers’ working with families in home.” I asked Kathy how she unwinds after a
day full of challenges. “I enjoy my time with family and our pets, and use music as a way to help me refocus or re-energize.” And her energy is appreciated every single day by the students and parents who benefit from Kathy’s knowledge, understanding, and compassion. Every step might appear small, but the changes made from those steps are great accomplishments.
Jill Anderson
Jill Anderson lives and works in Emily, loves the outdoors, and finds there’s not enough hours in the day for all the writing she wants to do. Visit her website at www.JillHannahAnderson.com or follow her on Facebook under Jill Hannah Anderson.
Fall 2013 | her voice
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