Related services, such as speech, OT, PT, counseling, are a vital component to the success of any special needs student. When students are in a specialized program or in an alternative school, related services providers can usually integrate their services into the classroom (commonly known as “push in”). Students who are mainstreamed into a regular education setting are often “pulled out” of their academic classes to go to related services and there for miss academics.
This is what’s happening in our lives. Anthony is being pulled out for 6 hours a week for related services. Among science, reading, and math, he is missing some lunch and recess time. Anthony scored a 65 on his first science test and that’s what made me realize that we have a problem. As a parent, I don’t want him to miss any academics but still receive his services. But as an OT, I also understand the scheduling nightmare. So my short term solution was to become Anthony’s part time science and social studies teacher at night to compensate for what he’s missing during the day. And then I called a CSE meeting with the team to discuss the frequencies of related services. I must be a pretty good teacher because WE got a 96 on his last social studies test.

As we get into the school year, the inevitable homework chore has begun. After many years of dealing with the whining, complaining, and defiance, we found some homework strategies that work with our son, Anthony. Like Anthony, children with autism need routine. This is especially true when it comes to work that they don’t want to do. A consistent time and location should be set up for homework. We also give Anthony “movement breaks” during homework .We set a timer and he has 2 minutes to either take a walk outside or we have him do an exercise, like jumping jacks. Movement breaks helps him focus more when he returns, especially if he is fidgety. Giving chewing gum or hard candy can provide oral motor stimulation which can help your child focus and stay more alert. Another suggestion is about positioning. Tape their worksheet to the wall and have them stand up to complete it. You use large leg muscles to stand so your body is more grounded and feels “ready”. This will also help with visual attending difficulties because your eyes have to look forward rather than down. We used to dread homework time, it was a constant battle. But like everything else, we just had to figure out different strategies that to help him become successful.