How This Works

To Grace, who posted an earlier comment. Teaching is about helping others, if you can't handle situations out of "the norm", then maybe you should considr a career change, for the sake of THE STUDENTS! You should feel grateful you have such a wonderful job and try looking at why the aggression is happening and try to address that instead of trying to look for help.
posted by Dan on 12/09/07 6:57: PM

For GRACE who posted a comment looking for help... I'm guessing the "treatment" you had to seek was of a psychological nature... The idea that you would watch a video like this and then ask about your own rights is disgusting. You dismiss disabled people as getting away with their behavior just because they've got a "label"? I say you're in the wrong line of work. Maybe you should be asking why these kids have to be mainstreamed into "normal" classroom environments where they are not capable of functioning in without severe emotional distress and therefore act out as their only means of defense and communication. These kids are not capable of premeditated thoughts and acts against you, but rather thrown into a situation they are not mentally capable of handling. You on the other hand are capable of finding another job and should. GOOD LUCK!
posted by Autism Mama on 12/09/07 6:44: PM

My son wasnt diagnosed with aspergers syndrome until he started having violent behavior issues in school. If more people knew about this and understood why... Maybe we can find out what we need to know to help these children, and those that love them.
posted by Christine on 12/09/07 6:29: PM

I work with children who have special needs. I love them so very much but the best part is that they love me too, they don't have to, but they do. I would like for someone to tell me something though...why should the rights of a person with special needs come before my rights as a person? I have been physically attacked and hurt by students in our classroom. I have had to seek treatment, etc...(I work with older and more physically mature children who have the ability to inflict physical harm) Now before you tell me that I knew what I was in for when I took this job let me say this to you please...I work at a public school, not an institution or place where this kind of behavior is expected. We don't take this from other students, why should we be expected to take it from a student just because they have a "label"? I have been told that I "have no rights"! I think that is pathetic! Can anyone tell me where to turn for help?
posted by Grace on 12/09/07 11:21: AM

it is sad having a child with any type of disability. My youngest son was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy 14 years ago, and they had nothing to help. it tore my heart out, but i home schooled him, learned his ways, and was able to help him tremendously this way!!! i think, we parents need not feel so helpless in this, rather, we need to be the ones to work with them and help them, because we are the ones who love them the most and can help the most! my son is now 21 and doing VERY well! God bless you all with a handicapped child.
posted by jeanne on 12/09/07 11:03: AM

I'm 39 and have Asperger's Syndrome, diagnosed one year ago. I often wonder how my life could have been better with early intervention. Knowing the outcome, I now pray for prevention. Thank you Five For Fighting for helping the future...our future. You guys ROCK!
posted by Leah on 12/09/07 10:19: AM

My soon-to-be ten year old daughter, Kira, is autistic and I have now watched this video 3 times, lump in throat and tears streaming down my face each time. I see very similar features between this little girl and my little girl. Kira and I watched this video together and she proclaimed "I love this song!" Thank you for helping raise awareness and for DOING SOMETHING to help our cause.
posted by Suzy on 12/09/07 10:07: AM

I work with students with autism everyday. I am blessed to be in their lives. Thank you Five for Fighting!
posted by Dawn on 12/09/07 10:05: AM

Lets get the word out and find a cure!!!!!! Posted for my son Alex 8, autistic non-verbal
posted by Joe B on 12/09/07 9:50: AM

My daughter is eight years old and has autism. She was 7 years old before she recieved help from the state for her therapies. We had to depend on the school for her therapies. When she did receive therapy, it was only once or twice a week. This past summer, we received the funding and my daughter is now talking!! she is even making requests of things that she wants. The therapy does help...Please keep fighting.
posted by Tammy on 12/09/07 8:42: AM

I am speechless. You guys are awesome people. Hopefully this will make a difference for everyone that has an autistic child. Insurance companies need to wake up. Good luck to you and everyone.
posted by Diana on 12/09/07 7:53: AM

I have a nephew who's autistic. He needs intensive therapy, but his family can't afford it. Something needs to be done now...waiting should not be an option.
posted by Donna on 12/09/07 12:54: AM

I loved this! I also have a son that is moderately autistic. The more people that know about this is a better chance our children's futures will better I hope!! I thank God every day that Jonathan is autistic, because I feel that I have become a more patient and compassionate person because of him and this terrible disease!!
posted by Kristen on 12/08/07 7:31: PM

my sons school dignosed him with autism. Its is hard. Hopefully we can find the cure. and hopefully soon most insurance will cover autism
posted by Lesley on 12/08/07 3:59: PM

Help anyway to pass the word and education on autism. I have a nephew that is autistic.
posted by Barbara J. Scruggs on 12/08/07 3:10: PM

Thank you for this. My son has Aspergers. We need more research. Everyone needs to be educated on Autism
posted by Melissa on 12/08/07 2:32: PM

Thank You So Very Much Five For Fighting... I have Autism and have suffered all my life, I'm not 49 years old, but it has been a very painful life, I have endured, It is my hope that a cure can be found to help those afflicted early in life so that they will not have to suffer, like I have...
posted by Logan* on 12/08/07 11:21: AM

I too have a child that has autism!! Colton is 8 and has Aspergers and adhd at least I am able to hear him talk and thigs like that but to know what he is really thinking and feeling would be great! To not have him get so upset everyday that there is a fight and he wants to run away or to hear him say" My God what is wrong with me?" It is really sad and I pray that we find a cure one day!! Thank you for helping to spead awareness on this you are awesome!!
posted by Michelle on 12/08/07 10:06: AM

All I can say is AWESOME!! THANK YOU:)
posted by Helen on 12/08/07 10:05: AM

I'm so glad that support for autism awareness is finally being publicized more. Five for Fighting is doing a wonderful thing by donating money to autism awareness. What a touching video & the facts are just shocking.
posted by Gini on 12/08/07 9:52: AM