@i-need-a-martini wrote:
I think the fact that it had bars on it gives someone from outside the situation an impression of gaol (which equals punishment). That is probably more the issue than the fact that it was needed at all.
But I understand from a news report that the space was considered the childs "special" place and apparently it was in place for months so I am sure the parents would have been aware.
And on a practical level it is more sensible than an enclosed room with a window which is what someone else mentioned earlier as an example of what happens in their school. And from the sounds of things what happens in many schools and hence there is now an enquiry into how widespread the practice is.
The 'cage' would have been see through enough that the child could still participate and see what was going on.
Perhaps, as barbaric as it seems, it was the best and only solution for this child.
But on saaying all of this, is it appropriate to school a child in a mainstream school that needs this mauch attention?
The purpose of schools is to socialise all children ready to take their places in society and to hopefully contribute in some manner. Removing a child from main stream schooling removes its ability to learn behaviours compatible with those that mainstrea society expects. It also denies other students the oppoertunities to learn how to socialize with affected people in their life after schhool
Every job will have a member who doesn't do their work correctly, where others will have to expend more time to get the job done. Every workplace will have persons who display attributes not necesarily the accepted norm that each person will have to learn to accomodate. If these people cause distractions or obstacles to another getting their job done, they will have to learn how to accomodate tham and adjust their work accordingly.
I don't see the problem with the cage is it is for protection of the child or others in the class. We place babies in play pens to protect them from harm and isolate them from undesirable participation in certain things. If the child is calm in there and able to produce better work, then why not? Why not a special corner of the room? Other children get detention and must sit outside the classroom until their behaviour is acceptable, an autistic child should be no different. Consideration does need to be given to the reasons for the non p[referred behaviour and instruction/guidance/training given in how to behave in the manner expected.
Aim for inclusion, where inclusion is detrimental for the child or others, than they need to be removed as in any other time out and the whole class educated as to why those behaviours exist and learn what they can do to help to minimize their occurance.
It is important to foster an attitude of inclusion, as these kids will become somebody's workmate at some time in the future.Not only that, they have just as much right to a just education as the child in the next desk.
IMO, if the school cannot afford additional assistance, being a user pays society, I bel;ieve that it is up to the parent to provide the funding for a suitable class aide - not just for the child, but for the benefit and use of the whole class, whilst including Johnny Austism/ADHD?Speech Impairment - whatever
I am referring to those whose cognitive function falls within the framework of average - ie IQs between 85 and 120. Prior to 70 and higher than 130, they do need a sopecialized education, but very different to each other
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