Expert: Tim Runner - 4/3/2008

Question
I am a teaching assistant in a self contained K-1 sp ed class.  There is a boy in our class who has been identified as being on the spectrum.  He has severe anxiety which is  often manifest in repeatedly verbalizing the actions or whereabouts of the other students or staff in the room or upcoming events in our schedule.  For instance, if someone leaves the room he may say "Jane is going now?","She will come back?", " Jane is coming back soon?" over and over, continuing even after the person has returned with " Jane came back?"  "She came back now?"
Our question is, when he perseverates with these questions, what is the best way for us to respond?  Should we repeatedly answere the questions should we help him to rephase the question as a statement ("Jane is gone now, she will come back soon")
We would appreciate any suggestions.

Answer
Beth,
I recommend that you discuss this matter with your school psychologist. He or she can review the student's file and give you advice based on what they see. Each student is unique. I personally like the idea of turning the questions into statements. But the bigger picture is determining how to redirect this child to help them get over perseverating. Unfortunately, this can be an ongoing challenge when working with students on the Autism Spectrum.
I wish you and your student the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
I wish you and your daughter the best.
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com