In The Life of an EIP Teacher

HOW IT FEELS LIKE...

There is a thinking that a teacher can do everything. 

That teaching is easy and that teaching can easily be learned. 

It's not for me. 

When I was new to teaching autism, I thought it would be easy to teach as I have special education background. 

I was prepared to face my early intervention career. 

But after I get the hang of teaching children with autism, I learn it was the most challenging but exciting experience to have. 

Every student I handle is unique and needs different program and strategy. 

That is why preparing an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is meant to be provided to each and every student because of their unique abilities, strength, and personality.

TEACHING AS A NEW TEACHER

I was trained exclusively for 6 months on how to handle a child with autism, but it didn't take me six months but a year before I independently teach my students. 

During my first year, I handled a student with strong sensory needs and a challenging behaviour. 

I didn't know how to manage in the beginning and didn't have any idea what to teach. I was clueless when I started my teaching career in autism. 

Everyday I would pray to God to give me strength to understand my child so I can plan and prepare my materials. 

The child shows aggressive behaviour by pulling hair, scratching hand, darting away from tasks or crawling under the table. 

The child was non-verbal and couldn’t express his needs spontaneously. 

I was doing trial and error with the things that the child may be able to use during lesson. 

In the beginning, I was overly prepared (which I think is good). For the first year of my teaching autism, it was a struggle!

Struggles were real! 

TRAININGS AND SEMINARS MADE BE A BETTER TEACHER

After attending trainings and courses on autism, I slowly understand how they interact with me, their challenging behaviour and how they communicate. 

I am truly thankful to the organization where I came from. Because of them, I know how to handle students with autism.

SOME MORE STRUGGLES

There was once I had another student with attention difficulty. 

At first, I couldn’t figure out how to engage the child, he was running around the class, throwing things from the table, climbing up the chairs and tables. 

All I could do is to be reactive and manage on the spot. 

After a few weeks of assessment and getting to know my student, I slowly learn how to handle and was able to engage him in the lessons more efficiently. 

Although, I couldn’t say its hundred percent engagement, there were still days were it wasn’t ideal. 

In teaching, there are sunny days and cloudy days. 

As a teacher, I think of my students before and after class. 

It challenges me on how I can greatly impact a child’s life. 

This impact is where I would see a major shift or change in their behaviour, which I can say it's fulfilling feelings once you achieve a positive feedback from parents.

ASK FOR SUPPORT...

However, it is not going to be successful if there is no help given by other allied educators such as Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapist (ST), co-teachers, or parents themselves. 

It is a collaboration. I wouldn’t make it successful without their help. 

Success goes to the student who was given help by many. 

Teaching autism is a mind-boggling profession to me. 

Every student I teach is so different that needs and goals are designed specifically for them. And that includes strategies and management too. 

That is why, it is important to have a good grasp of their wholistic needs in order to come up with effective IEP (Individualized Education Plan).

HOW SHOULD YOU FACE YOUR STUDENTS AS AN AUTISM TEACHER

Being a teacher for autism is not a walk in the park. 

It takes passion, commitment, care, understanding, love, hardwork, positive communication, and a lot more. 

Equip yourself with information by reading books or watching videos about autism. 

Enrol in courses and trainings so you get to have the proper skills you need. 

With these, a teacher can hone a child’s life for better. 

CONNECT WITH ME

You can reach out to me to learn more about autism by sending me an email at teachingparentsautism@yahoo.com

You can also follow me on my facebook page – Quennie Lim. 

I hope to see you there as I am growing my page. 

Please watch out for MORE blogs to come.

I will be posting as it will definitely help you in your autism journey with your child. 

Don't forget to subscribe from my mailing list so you can continuously learn from me.

AUSOMELY Yours,

Quennie Lim

Teaching Parents Autism