PLEASE read the following article so that you can see just how important you are to me.
Lena Mansah Barnes
TEACHER APPROVAL
Think back to when you were 6, 8 or 10 years old. Do you remember your teacher? Do you remember how you looked up to her? Her words were golden. Do you remember when you forgot to do your homework or weren’t paying attention? Her stern words cut you to the core. Not because she was mean but because you desperately wanted her approval.
School ended and those days were long forgotten. Then my child was diagnosed with autism. Why didn’t anyone warn me I’d become that 8 year old again? I desperately need teacher approval, not for me, but for my child.
This is a common sentiment of parents to children with autism. So if you’re a teacher, Autism consultant, SLP, ABA therapist, OT, PT, Psychologist, Social worker, Camp Counselor or anyone else that’s an authority figure to a child with autism –
THIS IS FOR YOU!
My child has autism. I know that. I’m not in denial. How could I be? I live it every day. I have other children. My friends have children. I know the difference. They answer questions, my child might not. They play together, my child might not. They share their thoughts, my child might not.
My child is different. He is on his own mission. I’m happy to be by his side. I am thrilled when he learns something new, no matter how small. I am proud when he accomplishes something I once never thought possible. I take delight in his idiosyncrasies. Please rejoice with me. Please notice his worth.
My child is multifaceted. He has weaknesses and strengths. He has deficits and skills. People are always pointing out the deficits. Please join me in noticing his skills.
Teachers. In our meetings, please allow for some time to recognize my child’s good points. When you do, I go home walking on air. When you don’t, I drive home in tears.
SLP’s, OT’s and PT’s. When your opening statement is a positive remark about my child, I begin to relax. When you only voice concerns, my stomach twists into knots.
ABA therapists & Camp counselors. When you greet me by telling me my son had a great day, my anxiety fades. When you focus on the deficits, your words hurt me deeply all day.
Consultants, Psychologists and Social Workers. When you begin with positive observations, my heart soars in delight. When you only stress your concerns, my heart splits in two.
My child faces judgment at every turn. I invite you to stand apart! Stand strong with us! Unique is good! Let’s tell the world! Help me instill pride in my son. Show him his greatness. Try and see his perspective. Praise him as much as you can. By doing so, you improve my child’s life and build his confidence. You will motivate and inspire him. He will exceed your expectations and I will be eternally grateful to you.
© Jene Aviram- See more at: http://www.autismathomeseries.com/library/2009/09/new-school-year-new-teacher-starting-the-year-off-right/#sthash.VTQFH3BJ.dpuf
elsie gaisie
From: Lena Mansah Barnes <man...@gmail.com>
To: ghanaautis...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 18, 2013 11:44 PM
Subject: PLEASE read the following article so that you can see just how important you are to me.
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Lena Mansah Barnes
Lena Mansah Barnes
sophiah timah-afreh
To: ghanaautis...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2013 12:13 PM
Subject: Re: PLEASE read the following article so that you can see just how important you are to me.
Thanks Lee, I'm glad you shared this. Will talk later
From: Lena Mansah Barnes <man...@gmail.com>
To: ghanaautis...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 18, 2013 11:44 PM
Subject: PLEASE read the following article so that you can see just how important you are to me.
TEACHER APPROVALThink back to when you were 6, 8 or 10 years old. Do you remember your teacher? Do you remember how you looked up to her? Her words were golden. Do you remember when you forgot to do your homework or weren’t paying attention? Her stern words cut you to the core. Not because she was mean but because you desperately wanted her approval.School ended and those days were long forgotten. Then my child was diagnosed with autism. Why didn’t anyone warn me I’d become that 8 year old again? I desperately need teacher approval, not for me, but for my child.This is a common sentiment of parents to children with autism. So if you’re a teacher, Autism consultant, SLP, ABA therapist, OT, PT, Psychologist, Social worker, Camp Counselor or anyone else that’s an authority figure to a child with autism –THIS IS FOR YOU!My child has autism. I know that. I’m not in denial. How could I be? I live it every day. I have other children. My friends have children. I know the difference. They answer questions, my child might not. They play together, my child might not. They share their thoughts, my child might not.My child is different. He is on his own mission. I’m happy to be by his side. I am thrilled when he learns something new, no matter how small. I am proud when he accomplishes something I once never thought possible. I take delight in his idiosyncrasies. Please rejoice with me. Please notice his worth.My child is multifaceted. He has weaknesses and strengths. He has deficits and skills. People are always pointing out the deficits. Please join me in noticing his skills.Teachers. In our meetings, please allow for some time to recognize my child’s good points. When you do, I go home walking on air. When you don’t, I drive home in tears.SLP’s, OT’s and PT’s. When your opening statement is a positive remark about my child, I begin to relax. When you only voice concerns, my stomach twists into knots.ABA therapists & Camp counselors. When you greet me by telling me my son had a great day, my anxiety fades. When you focus on the deficits, your words hurt me deeply all day.Consultants, Psychologists and Social Workers. When you begin with positive observations, my heart soars in delight. When you only stress your concerns, my heart splits in two.My child faces judgment at every turn. I invite you to stand apart! Stand strong with us! Unique is good! Let’s tell the world! Help me instill pride in my son. Show him his greatness. Try and see his perspective. Praise him as much as you can. By doing so, you improve my child’s life and build his confidence. You will motivate and inspire him. He will exceed your expectations and I will be eternally grateful to you.© Jene Aviram- See more at: http://www.autismathomeseries.com/library/2009/09/new-school-year-new-teacher-starting-the-year-off-right/#sthash.VTQFH3BJ.dpuf
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Lena Mansah Barnes
Lena Mansah Barnes
Lena Mansah Barnes
Jonathan Ababio
Sent from my iPhone
kwesi wilson
Thanks for the support.
