special needs Archives

The Challenges of Finding the Right School for My 7-Year-Old Autistic Son in Germany

Leave a Comment / Autism resources / By Atilayo

When my husband suggested relocating to Germany in 2018, I thought my biggest challenges would be the language barrier and starting a new career. I was excited, nervous, and scared, but my biggest motivation was my children. Insecurity was becoming an issue in Nigeria, and my son was showing signs of being on the autism spectrum. We thought Germany would be a great place to get the support we couldn’t find in Nigeria. Don’t get me wrong—Germany is a fantastic country with excellent education, one of the best healthcare systems, and substantial social benefits. To top it all off, we don’t have to worry about insecurity. But when it comes to raising a child with special needs, especially autism, Germany is surprisingly far behind for such a highly developed country. The school system in Germany is particularly challenging for children on the spectrum because it is very inflexible. In Germany, it is compulsory to send your child to the Grundschule (the equivalent of primary school), and you could be fined if you do otherwise. Homeschooling is illegal except under extraordinary circumstances. At six, your child must be registered at the community elementary school, where they will stay for the next four years. My son is seven years old, almost eight, and we have yet to find a school for him. Why? The Grundschule is not structured to accommodate children with any form of disability, whether physical, mental, or intellectual. The teachers and most of the staff have zero training when it comes to children with special needs. The lack of awareness is astounding. My son’s first four days at the Grundschule were disastrous and traumatizing. You might wonder why I took my son to the Grundschule instead of a specialized school. We searched for a school for a whole year, and every school we applied to rejected us. My son is non-verbal autistic with high intellectual and learning abilities, but most special needs schools (Förderzentrum) take only children with learning disabilities. Therefore, they have no capacity for children with an IQ above 60. And because it is against the law in Germany to keep your child at home, we had to take him to the Grundschule, despite knowing it wouldn’t work. The main issues with finding a school for kids with autism are: Limited Schools: There are few schools for children who need emotional and social support like my son. If your child has Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or a learning disability, you might find a school. However, the system does not cater to the needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism without a learning disability. Lack of Special Needs Teachers: There is a significant lack of special needs teachers or trained school accompaniment (Schulbegleiter) who can assist your child in a regular classroom. Most Grundschule teachers have not interacted with children with special needs and have no idea what to do. My son’s class teacher, despite having a Ph.D., is constantly panicking around him. Parental Influence: Parents of other children have significant influence over the school. If a parent is uncomfortable with your special needs child being in the classroom, your child has to leave. Long Waiting Lists: Even if you find the right school, the waiting list is so long that your child might be ready for high school by the time a spot opens up. The waiting list can take as long as two years or more. Unhelpful Government Bodies: The government body in charge of special education is ineffective, offering no sound advice and providing little assistance. Language Barrier: If you are a foreigner struggling with the German language, your frustration doubles. School officials and government bodies primarily communicate in German, and finding English speakers is rare. It’s either you find a school or no school; there is no alternative, which is why my son has been home for the last eight months. The bureaucracy is tedious, requiring many forms and conversations in German with no real results. We have applied to all the schools in my city and have either been rejected or placed on a waiting list. This will be our ninth month without school for my son. I had to quit my job to be home with him. It has not been easy, but God is faithful. If you have a child with special needs and you plan to relocate to Germany, I advise you to make all your findings before taking the leap. If you are in a similar situation, write to me in the comment section. If you have any questions, I will be happy to respond. Cheers! Read more

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: 14 Autism Thriving Strategies

2 Comments / Parenting / By Atilayo

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with autism? Unlocking your child’s full potential can be challenging, but it is absolutely possible with the right strategies. This article will explore 14 autism-thriving strategies that can help your child thrive and reach their fullest potential. From creating a supportive environment to fostering communication skills, these strategies have been proven to make a significant difference in the lives of children with autism. Whether you’re just starting this journey or seeking new ways to support your child’s growth, this article will provide practical tips and insights. Join us as we delve into the world of autism-thriving strategies and discover the transformative power they hold for your child’s development. Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock your child’s potential! 1. Provide Structure and Routine: Children with autism may feel overwhelmed by changes in routine and may benefit from a structured and predictable environment. You can provide this structure by creating a predictable schedule for your child, including structured activities, meals, and sleep. 2. Use Visual Aids: If your child is non-verbal, your child may benefit from visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, and charts. You can use these aids to help them understand routines, schedules, and expectations. 3. Modify the Environment To Promote Communication: Children with autism may have difficulty communicating their needs and wants. As a parent, you can modify your child’s environment to promote communication by using visual aids, simplifying language and gestures. 4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Children with autism may respond well to positive reinforcement. You can use this technique with your child by rewarding good behavior and praising your child when they achieve a goal. For example, you can use words like “well done,” “you did it,” “you can do it,” and “good job.” 5. Create a Safe and Sensory-Friendly Environment: Children with autism may have unique sensory needs and be sensitive to certain stimuli. As a parent, you can create a safe and sensory-friendly environment for your child by minimizing noise, providing comfortable seating and lighting, and reducing clutter. 6. Get an Official Diagnosis: To access the benefits and aid offered by the government and various support systems for children with autism, it is necessary to obtain an official diagnosis. 7. Research School System: You should research the schools in your area to find those that offer specialized programs for students with special needs and inclusion. This may include classes specifically designed for children with autism or schools with trained staff and resources to support these children. Visiting the school, meeting with teachers and administrators, and asking questions is essential to ensure the school is a good fit for your child. 8. Take Advantage of Early Intervention Programs: Early intervention programs can be a critical part of your child’s development. These programs are designed to support children with developmental delays, including autism, before they enter school. Many countries have early intervention programs that provide services to children from birth to school, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. 9. Stay Informed on Government Aid Support Systems/Disability Rights: Families of children with autism may be eligible for various government aid programs. These programs can help cover the cost of medical care, therapy, and other vital services for children with autism. You should be aware of your child’s legal rights and the resources available to your child. In the United state, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects children with disabilities, including the right to free and appropriate education. Advocacy organizations can also provide support and resources for you and your child. 10. Seek Help and Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals. Raising a child with autism can be challenging, and you need all the help you can get. Connect with other parents of children with autism. You can join support groups, attend conferences or workshops, or find online communities to share your experiences and get advice from other parents. 12. Take Care of Your Health: Make sure to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your physical health can help you manage stress and stay mentally healthy. Consider seeing a therapist to help you deal with the emotional challenges of raising a child with autism. Therapy can help you manage your emotions and provide you with coping strategies. 13. Take a Break: It is essential to take time for yourself, whether going for a walk, reading a book, or relaxing. Taking a break can help you recharge and reduce stress. 14. Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest research, therapies, and interventions for autism. This can help you make informed decisions about your child’s care and treatment. In conclusion, raising a child with autism can be challenging, but it can also be gratifying. With patience, understanding, and a willingness to learn, you can create an environment that allows your child to thrive and reach their full potential. Remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself credit for the hard work you do every day. You are doing the best you can, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small they may be. Recognize your accomplishments and take pride in your hard work and dedication to your child’s well-being. While there may be difficult moments, the love and joy of raising a child with autism are immeasurable. You can do it! Read more The Ultimate Guide: How to Support Your Child with Autism

9 Effective Strategies for Successful Behavior in Autism.

Leave a Comment / Parenting / By Atilayo

Imagine living in a world where every sensation is amplified; every sound, every touch, and every movement can feel overwhelming and chaotic. For children with Autism, this is often their reality, and it is a significant contributor to challenging behaviors. What do you do when your child’s behavior is beginning to negatively impact their life, your life, and those around you? As parents, you can help unlock successful behavior in your child by using creative and empathetic strategies. In this post, I will teach you some creative and empathy-based effective strategies for successful behavior in Autism. Join me on this journey towards a more empathetic and inclusive world for children with Autism. Let’s dive in. 1. Understand the Behavior: Understanding why your child is displaying challenging behavior is essential. Is there a trigger, or is your child trying to communicate a need or want? Finding out the underlying cause of the behavior can help you develop strategies to manage or prevent it. 2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Children with Autism often respond well to positive reinforcement. Praise and reward your child when they display positive behavior, such as following a routine or using appropriate language, which increases the possibility of that behavior repeating itself. Over time, your child learns to associate positive behavior with positive outcomes and will engage in those behaviors. Children with Autism often respond well to positive reinforcement. Praise and reward your child when they display positive behavior, such as following a routine or using appropriate language, which increases the possibility of that behavior repeating itself. Over time, your child learns to associate positive behavior with positive outcomes and will engage in those behaviors. 3. Implement Visual Supports: Visual aids such as picture schedules and social stories can help your child understand what is expected of them and reduce anxiety. Using visual supports can also help your child anticipate changes in routine or environment, reducing challenging behaviors and increasing positive behaviors. To find out more about visual aid, click here 4. Provide Sensory Input: Many children with Autism have sensory sensitivities that can contribute to challenging behaviors. Providing sensory input, such as a weighted blanket, fidget toy, or stress ball, and sensory activities like hand and foot painting, playdough, mud, or water beads can help your child regulate their sensory system and reduce anxiety. 5. Use Calming Techniques: When your child displays challenging behavior, calming techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce their anxiety and de-escalate the situation. To find out more about calming techniques, click on the link 6. Breaking Down Tasks Into Smaller Steps: Children with Autism may become overwhelmed when presented with complex tasks. When introducing a new task or skill to your child, break them down into smaller steps, making them more manageable and achievable for the child. This strategy can reduce frustration and increase the likelihood of successful completion. 7. Teach a Replacing Behavior: It is sometimes productive to replace your child’s challenging behavior with a more appropriate behavior rather than focusing on the negative one. Teach the new behavior you want your child to learn through modeling and positive reinforcement, and monitor progress, adjusting the approach as necessary. 8. Encourage Positive Practice: Reinforcement to encourage the desired behavior and help the child feel motivated to continue practicing. Unlike correcting unwanted behaviors, positive practice involves practicing a desired behavior repeatedly until it becomes a habit. Help your child repeatedly practice a desired behavior rather than correcting an unwanted behavior. It’s important to note that positive practice should always be accompanied by positive. 9. Seek Professional Support Seek professional support if you struggle to manage your child’s challenging behaviors. A behavior therapist can provide additional strategies and support tailored to your child’s specific needs. You can do it. Handling challenging behavior in Autism can be a complex and emotional journey. Being patient, flexible, and empathetic towards yourself and your child is essential. Remember to take care of yourself as you try different strategies and techniques. Whether taking a break, seeking support from loved ones, or practicing self-care, remember that you are doing your best; every step forward is a victory. With time, effort, and lots of love, you can help your child overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Keep on keeping on! To learn more about Autism, read our post on Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: 14 Autism Thriving Strategies The Ultimate Guide: How to Support Your Child with Autism 12 Essential Websites for Immigrant Families Navigating Autism in Germany