Expert: Tim Runner - 8/12/2010

Question
I have taught many Autistic students in my regular-ed 5th grade classroom over the years but I have a student this year who screams and violently reacts to other students and teachers. He does not have a personal classroom aid and today he refused to go to his assigned "quiet area" to calm down. Instead he threw his binder and screamed for 30 minutes.  I had to stop the learning process for 20 other students and have them evacuate the room because of this child's behavior. I have been told to remain an arm's length away from him at all times. He is larger than me and all of the students in his class. Do you have any suggestions for me on how to gain the most instruction time in a situation like this?

Answer
The school should have a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for this student and it should state step by step what to do when he displays bad behaviors. If there is no plan, then you should ask that one be developed. It sounds like he really needs a one-to-one aide.

When his behaviors become a risk to the other students or interfere with their ability to learn, you should call the principal and the administration must intervene. They should come to the classroom and escort him out of the class when necessary. I am amazed that other parents are not complaining to the principal about this situation.

The school is accepting a big financial risk by not having a BIP in place. It sounds like this student is a time bomb waiting to go off. He may hurt another student, himself, or you. If this happens, the school can be sued for damages due to negligence.

I wish you and your students the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com