I'm starting a brand new middle school autism program in three weeks. It's a self contained class in a public school. They call it "ASD class." I really hate it that the door says ASD Class, their schedules say ASD math, etc. I wish they weren't so blunt. I know that the other kids know they are different, but using the name Autism Spectrum Disorder classroom sure doesn't help. Because it's brand new, if I come up with a name, they will probably go for it. What do your schools call the autism classes? I'm thinking maybe a fun acronym or something (STRIVE, rise, leap, etc??) It could also be called a name (not an acronym). Any ideas for a cool hip name of a MS autism program?
Oh, I can see why you wouldn't want that. Hmm...let me think... RISE-Realizing Independence through Structured Education? Blech. 1:1 (are you 1:1? even if not, it looks kinda cool) I'm not very good at this!
Try a name that wouldn't be.... separatist on their schedules. Try something like ASTUTE: Autistic STUdenTs Excelling
Achieving Success Daily...then maybe the other kids outside of your classroom will think it stands for that!
Good one WaterfallLady...I was trying to make a play on the ASD that shows up so often and was drawing a blank.
I like that! Good one! Maybe the teachers will think so too! It's so funny, because in New Jersey they call the teacher of students with autism: "autistic teacher." I swear if I get introduced one more time as the autistic teacher I'm gonna go nuts!
We called a middle school class Oasis. It meant that the students had a special place they could call their own that gave them a respite from the rigors and problems they might encounter if they were pushed into the gen ed class. The dictionary explains it better: a shelter serving as a place of shelter or security. Isn't that what you will be trying to provide for your special ones?
I've never heard of a specific autistic class in NJ. I'm on the shore though. I've only heard of kids going to special autism schools
We call ours " Odyssey". I teach in an Autism school, but there is a program for the higher functioning ones that we call "Odyssey". I thought it sounded cool!
Unlike what the neurotypical population prefers, I like to call myself as an autistic adult because it is part of who I am. I defines me and makes me unique. We don't say that people who can't hear are people who have deafness, we say they are deaf. I am truly an autistic teacher.
When I become a teacher, I will probably do the same. I will refer to myself as a disabled teacher, since I have multiple disabilities, but they don't harm my ability to teach, they enrich it with the knowledge I have gained throughout my years in school.
