Single Mother of Autism

“If a child cannot learn in the way we teach … we must teach in a way the child can learn.” Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas

This is truly a wonderful quote, one of which should be embraced by our educational system. So many young children, both those with and without special educational needs, are falling through the cracks.

In today’s age of Autism, many parents are finding thousands of resources available online, and in print. Some people however look for ways that work for somebody else and try to mirror those plans of action. For an example, one might read the well-known book by Jenny McCarthy and only end up disappointed when those methods do not appear to work on their own child.

The truth is that every child is different. Though “typical” children tend to learn in similar ways, Autistic children do not always. Though there are similarities between what works for some children, the fact remains that Autism is a spectrum disorder. A wide spectrum of levels your child can be placed at also relates to a wide spectrum of possibilities of therapies and educational services that may (and may not) work for your child.

It is important to find a teacher who is willing to bend a little around your child to find what will work for them as individuals rather than what “works for most/other autistic children” Sometimes resources make this difficult, but it is important to do everything within your means to ensure your child has not only a pleasant experience in school, but it provides the best education possible for them.

Remember, the school is not the only one to blame for students slipping through the cracks. Parents must stand up for what they know is right. If you know nothing about Special Education, you can always educate yourself. This is your child’s entire future, and it starts with school. To give our Special children as many opportunities possible, we must sometimes demand them.

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