Long Distance Learning + Communication = Less Anxiety

Adolescent Autism brings with it many new issues; although forewarned cannot be understood until experienced up close and personal.

Missed school days become a monthly occurrence. Safety first requires the child be in an environment quite the opposite of the chaotic halls of Jr. High. NOT for the lack of certified personnel, but simply the nature of the autistic brain, and in our case coupled with sensory dysfunction and severe anxiety. The need to preserve the "positive learning experience" far outweighs the attendance record. Preventing the possible psych/emotional damage that could undo/undermine the past and future is not a chance to take.

Although staying away from school solves one problem, it also tends to aggravate another - the anxiety of missed school work. Trust me when I say I would rather have the child in school with you all and have the time to make a living!

In our situation, the need to stay in a protected environment does not always mean we cannot continue our school work. Doing so would actually alleviate some of the stress of returning to the classroom. This brings us to an important form of AT.

The means to communicate in both directions. Not just email, but a format that will allow the class work in all formats to be posted, reviewed, answered, questioned, etc. This blog is just one such format I am testing. Google seems to be the most user friendly at the moment.

Low cost, simple to understand and implement in a short amount of time. The applications offered at the moment are quite extensive, and priced afford ably - FREE!

It won't cost a thing to check it out - if you do, please post your comments here so that we see what works for us and what doesn't. I've played with the document collaboration; a few of you received the first test when I sent Danni's science work out for your review. That was not difficult.

I also tinkered with the web page - have not had a chance to complete - too many other distractions. It looks relatively easy, compared to a few others I've worked with.

The issue of privacy was brought up, and so far in all formats, that is not an issue. You can invite (permission only) those involved, or not.

My understanding is that the service the teachers provide by uploading and working this system of communication/long distance learning is considered AT - but, I'm sure once such system is in place, working with all students and parents may prove to be a little easier.