looking for practical tips on juggling 11 yr old ASD with typical 9 and 6yr olds

[Guest snoopysnyder]

It's a logistical challenge. The 11 yr old ASD (5th grader) requires a lot of one on one to stay focused and for direction. For the last few years, the 9 yr old (4th grader) has been at the same level as the 11 yr old in history, math, writing, spelling, science, art and reading. That was GREAT! But now, he is now needing to advance beyond and is getting bored. Not acting out, just wandering off to play Legos, etc. The 6 yr old (K) is doing first grade work and is suffering the same fate as the 9 yr old. I guess I just need tips on how to make our day to day schedule work. Feeling a little overwhelmed.

[PeterPan]

Do they have a list for the day, so they know what their plan is? And are there things on the list he can do without you, or does he find himself sitting around waiting for you a lot? My dd has a weekly list with columns for each day. We've varied it over the years, but we've used some form of list since she was in about 2nd grade. Before that we used index cards on a pocket chart, that kind of thing. On the list I clump things for what we do together vs. what she can do by herself. Her projects are on there as well as her more traditional school work. Sometimes they like to do things but *forget* they have these options, kwim?

 

Another way to handle the boredom time is to funnel it positively. He might like the TOPS science with task cards. They're meant to be done independently, have small chunks (do as few or many as you please), and would be an easy to implement alternative to legos.

[nitascool]

My 11yo ASD son also has a lot of focus issues. His working memory and processing speed where in the 1st % on his IQ test. In the past we have had him at my elbow (literally). This year he has been lying on the floor beside me. Over the year we have been slowly moving him physically away from me while maintaining that same level of focus. We begin a subject together then I give him seat work (which he does on his tummy- helps him focus better then sitting at a table). Then I instruct the younger two each in turn and their older brother. My 11yo always starts school before his siblings and ends after they are finished. I give them all brakes throughout the day. We never do every subject, every day. One thing that has really helped is getting off the PS schedule and just schooling year round. This has freed us up to work with our sons focus issues. Sometimes I have to let the others just play on days when my son needs my full attention (a bit less this year then last year). As long as they aren't using that time on TV, Computers or Video Games (not allowed during school time) then the others usually find something on their own to learn.

 

My 8yo has surpassed his brother in penamanship, many life skills and common sence areas already. He will likely pass him next year in grammar and writing. When these things have happened we use those times to talk about what it means to have Autism and how it effects nomal development. And that this is why big brother stuggles or little brother doesn't in an area. We talk often about how hard it is for my ASD son to deal with issues... which makes all those little vicotries- time for celebation. We never use the ASD as an excuse not to try though... only a help explain as to why he's not developing those same skills at the same time as his brother.

 

I think the big thing is not worrying too much about the NT kids. They will adapt quickly to whatever method you use.