Why don't they listen to me ..........

[oxgirl]

I get so frustrated sometimes with the TA's in the ASD Unit where my son J (12/AS) attends part-time. They never seem to listen to me or my advice.

 

Today he had to do some maths problems and one TA threatened that if he didn't get them done in time he wouldn't be allowed to have his snack! I've told them time and time before that he doesn't respond well to threats like this and that they throw him into a total panic and he doesn't cope under pressure, but they just carry on in their own sweet way!

 

Of course, he was in such a panic he spent ages crying and fussing and worrying about not being able to have his snack, so much so that he couldn't concentrate on the work at all! That's totally the wrong approach to take with him. Why won't they listen to me!!

 

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

~ Mel ~

[col]

Because they think they know everything!! And us parent's know SFA!!

[oxgirl]

Because they think they know everything!! And us parent's know SFA!!

 

 

Hahaha, ah yeah, that must be it!!

I think I'm allergic to TA's, they seem to have so much power and so little common sense sometimes

 

~ Mel ~

[col]

I think DD7 school is now allergic to me didn't you know that no common sense or compassion is now the job criteria for TA's

[oxgirl]

I think DD7 school is now allergic to me didn't you know that no common sense or compassion is now the job criteria for TA's

 

 

Ah, that explains a lot. In that case, many of the TA's I've encountered over the years were obviously born for the job!

 

~ Mel ~

[nvapid]

remeber TAs have no specific training in teaching at all - only what has been supplied by the school - so enquire...

 

ask them what training courses they have been on. use current literature to show them effective stratgies (make careful note of the words i am using) i recomend: Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage and Meltdowns

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1931282...ce&n=266239

 

try copying the charts of good teacher behaviour and unhelpful behavior...

[PinkSapphireAngel]

Spot on about some TAs(Well pretty much all I have met tbh)

[oxgirl]

remeber TAs have no specific training in teaching at all - only what has been supplied by the school - so enquire...

 

ask them what training courses they have been on. use current literature to show them effective stratgies (make careful note of the words i am using) i recomend: Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage and Meltdowns

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1931282...ce&n=266239

 

try copying the charts of good teacher behaviour and unhelpful behavior...

 

 

Thanks for that advice. It just seems like whatever I give them to read or whatever I say to them they just smile sweetly and completely ignore it. I've given 'Why Does Chris Do This' book to teachers to read before now and I'm sure they don't even bother to read it or pass it on to TAs at all.

 

~ Mel ~

[Bagpuss]

Mel, thats sounds really mean to me....you can't be threatening to withhold snacks from children to try and force them to do work...whatever next How would the TA respond if you went in and said "if you threaten my child again I will ................(please fill in your own appropriate punishment ) Maybe she'd then find it difficult to concentrate eh

[phasmid]

Speaking as a TA, and an ASD/SEN specialist, this TA wants shooting! Are the teaching staff aware that this approach was used? If not they ought to be and whats more the TA needs to be told, VERY CLEARLY, that this sort of 'encouragement' is totally counter-productive. As you say all it did was give him something else to worry about other than his work...and that was already causing him concern!

[jen]

In our local specialist unit none of the TA's have had any training in ASD so I suppose if they have seen this response work with another child in the unit than they think it is OK to use it.

 

I think you need to speak to the senco and head about training and how the TA are affecting your child.

 

 

Jen

[oxgirl]

Mel, thats sounds really mean to me....you can't be threatening to withhold snacks from children to try and force them to do work...whatever next How would the TA respond if you went in and said "if you threaten my child again I will ................(please fill in your own appropriate punishment ) Maybe she'd then find it difficult to concentrate eh

 

 

Hehehehe, well, it is tempting. Trouble is I'm sick of telling these people. They'd just moan about me behind my back and carry on as they are!!

 

Cheers anyways!

 

~ Mel ~

[oxgirl]

Speaking as a TA, and an ASD/SEN specialist, this TA wants shooting! Are the teaching staff aware that this approach was used? If not they ought to be and whats more the TA needs to be told, VERY CLEARLY, that this sort of 'encouragement' is totally counter-productive. As you say all it did was give him something else to worry about other than his work...and that was already causing him concern!

 

 

Thanks for that, would you like a new job at my Unit??!!

I have spoken to the Unit Head before about this particular TA but nothing is done, they don't want to hear any criticism of their staff. It's like the TA's run the show there, they've been there for years and they do as they like. I'm just hoping he gets a different one next year!!

 

~ Mel ~

[oxgirl]

In our local specialist unit none of the TA's have had any training in ASD so I suppose if they have seen this response work with another child in the unit than they think it is OK to use it.

 

I think you need to speak to the senco and head about training and how the TA are affecting your child.

Jen

 

 

Yes, that's it exactly, I think. Apparently, she uses this 'technique' with other kids in the Unit, who might respond to it but for my lad it is the exact opposite of what is required. One method fits all in their opinion. Which is why I get so frustrated when they don't listen to the expert, i.e. ME!

 

Cheers.

 

~ Mel ~

[something vague]

Speaking as a TA too, I think this approach is very dated. Such a threat just shows the ignorance of the staff involved. I work in an ASD unit and see my primary concern to be reducing anxieties not adding to them!! As for training, unfortunately you're right in some cases TAs are given no specialist training. I recieve training because I request it.

 

I hope the school starts listening to you.

 

SV

[marshmallow]

How can 'professionals' working with any children in this day and age think it is ok to use the withdrawal of food as a threat/bribe /punishment acceptable? Thought this practice was stamped out years ago.

[janet39]

hi, ive had this problem myself and you wont get any where so my advice is put a complaint in with the head explain your trying to make life easier for your child and for the school and you know your child better than any assistant. ive done this after countless times of not getting anywhere but it worked. thanx janet

[caren]

How can 'professionals' working with any children in this day and age think it is ok to use the withdrawal of food as a threat/bribe /punishment acceptable? Thought this practice was stamped out years ago.

 

 

its terrible

[justamom]

I've had this argument time and time again in the school where i work, a few of the TA do the same want to take away snacks from a child for bad behaviour or not doing work ect.....

 

It falls on deaf ears and i refuse to partake in it... As i have pointed out that the child stresses about the snack being taken away and therefore is unable to do the work that they want....

[nvapid]

if the school is uncooperative and you have followed the complant proceedure in writing (first to the TA, then SENco, then HT) then your best option is to go over thier heads.

you can write a letter to the governing body (which may not be very helpful but it then become an officially noted complaint that goes down in record)

and/or your best option...

find out which gov body delivers ASD training to TAs and call them or get whoever gave your child a dx to contact them.

 

in my son's case the school refused to contact CAISTS (Cambridgeshire Access & Inclusion Specialist Teaching Service)

http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/education...t=%3C%2FFONT%3E

so we aked the EP to do it - and CAISTS came in and observed and delivered personalised training. It is still a huge struggle to get new strategies into the school - but the change in my son's well being has made it worth it. this wont make you popular - but i guess you are not their favorite person right now anyway

Edited July 14, 2006 by nvapid

[Zemanski]

In the defence of TAs, Com has had some wonderful ones who have supported him and encouraged him all the way

 

the lack of training available is obviously a drawback but what we have found is that it is the interest in the child and their well-being that makes a good TA not the training specifically. the TA in this case is clearly not interested in learning what works best for the child she is working with.

 

hope you get it sorted

 

Zemanski

[Karen A]

Thanks for that, would you like a new job at my Unit??!!

I have spoken to the Unit Head before about this particular TA but nothing is done, they don't want to hear any criticism of their staff. It's like the TA's run the show there, they've been there for years and they do as they like. I'm just hoping he gets a different one next year!!

 

~ Mel ~

Mel When you say it's like the TA'S run the show...they've been there for years I think that is part of the problem.I worked as a lunch time supervisor and only worked as a TA for a while.However I worked as a nurse for many years.The situation was the same with support staff in the NHS.Many had been in the job for years and had no formal training.Little encouragement was given to update.Staff ended up holding a lot of power.Many took jobs at a time when staff were much less accountable to the public and people were less aware of their right to complain or have a say in their care.Also it is worth noting that with both NHS support staff,TA's andchild care staff the biggest problem is pay.It will continue to be difficult to attract high quality candidates into these jobs while individuals could earn more working in a supermarket or cleaning.Few individuals with recognised accademic qualifications will look at TA jobs when they can be better payed elsewhere.When I look at the amount being asked of the individual who will work with Ben,the stress involved and the skills needed it surprises me that anyone would want the job for the money offered.I will add that I am not condoning poor practice however it is part of a bigger problem.Karen

[oxgirl]

Thanks for the words of support everyone!

It just frustrates and worries me sometimes the thought that these people have that much control over him during the day and he's at their mercy, or is that just me over-reacting!!

 

Cheers all. <'>

 

~ Mel ~