Member-to-member advice on autism

Here are some tips on helping students with autism from AFT member Robert Gordon, a paraprofessional at the Hazel Park-Hilda Knoff Educational Complex in River Ridge, La.

• Try to keep the daily routine the same, introducing any changes gradually.
• The students depend on your being there, so keep a consistent schedule.
• Ask parents about what their children like to eat, read and otherwise do for fun.
• Keep your tone of voice calm and even.
• Have an extra change of clothes on hand for mishaps.
• Like everyone else, students with autism need to obey class and school rules. When they do, acknowledge it and reward them appropriately.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Remind other staff that you are available to help.
• Attend workshops, conferences and seminars on autism.
• Learn federal and state requirements pertaining to special education programs.

How your local can be an ally in educating students with autism

Pushing for relevant staff development
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that all school staff have appropriate professional development, from teaching tech-niques to correct holding positions. If your district has, say, 60,000 students and 8,000 employees but only three half-day workshops on special ed, that's a red flag that the system may not offer enough professional development to comply with IDEA, says Lisa Thomas, special education policy analyst for the AFT.

Advocating for safety
Understand your district's regulations. Many have a "no touch" policy that may be unworkable. Similarly, rules barring personal cell phones "defy common sense," says Thomas. "In an emergency, three minutes could mean life or death. That's where the local union should step in." Don't assume that parents know the situation, either. Talk with them about unsafe conditions. Along with the union, they are your best advocates.

Safeguarding proper staffing ratios
In New York City, the United Federation of Teachers acts as a watchdog to make sure the city complies with state guidelines on 1-1 student-staff ratios on school buses. The government has tried to downgrade to a 2-1 ratio, which could be disastrous if both students have episodes at the same time.

City officials also have tried to rush how soon a student is considered "independent" and no longer in need of bus supervision. This has been a successful area for grievances.