I think the most important aspect of our classroom business is to promote and spread the awareness of Autism, and all of the beautiful attributes it brings to the table.
Some important things to know before our "baristas" enter your classroom:
- Behavior is a form of communication - Every classroom will be different, and some classrooms may be overwhelming for our students...because of noise, lights, or decorations on the wall. Please instruct your students to be as respectful and quiet when we enter the room as possible, so that we may practice our best social skills uninterrupted. If a student suddenly has an outburst behavior or a seizure, please do not feel like you contributed or caused it. Chances are, the student was just overwhelmed by sensory input, and we will escort them out of the classroom so that we do not interrupt your instruction any longer.
- Communication - I will teach all of our students to say "Thank You" and to shake your hand upon delivery of your coffee. For our nonverbal students, we will utilize ASL, and model with behavior. See the video below for ASL signs you might see.
- Eye contact and social cues are hard for us - A student may not make eye contact with you during delivery. This does not mean they are uninterested or intentionally being rude. Our students have a hard time picking up on social cues, and are often very shy. We are working hard on eye contact and using our manners to say "Thank You".
Curious to know more about Autism? Here are some helpful resources to expand your knowledge on the huge umbrella that is known as Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD.
The LHS SpEd Department is proud to officially unveil our sensory room!
THANK YOU to the LISD Education Foundation and the Goffney family for making this dream a reality for our students!
THANK YOU to the LISD Education Foundation and the Goffney family for making this dream a reality for our students!