[g-cogle]

Hi
I´m starting a new class tomorrow, and its with a boy who is nearly blind. He´s 15 years old, and apparently has a fairly good level of English. So I´m wondering if anyone has any tips on what to do with him, obviously it´ll be lots and lots of speaking activities and hardly and reading or writing, though I think he can see just about to do these activities.
Thanks

[g-cogle]

Hi again,
Well I had my first class with him the other day. It was an hour and a half and was really long. I didn´t take anything with me, I was just planning on talking. But it was really difficult getting him to talk for more than 2 seconds, so I found it really hard. Apparently he´s slightly autistic, so thats probably why he finds it hard to interact. Please does anyone have any ideas to help me?

[emile]

g-cogle, that's nearly a worst-case scenario right there.

I work with an experienced English teacher who has an autistic son and some experience of dealing with various disabilities. PM me and I'll put you in contact in her.

[Eric]

i agree with emile. you shouldn't be teaching learning disabled kids unless you have some expertise in that area. there are too many dynamics going on there.

[Mr. E English]

Hi g-cogle,

I've taught an autistic student just once and it was extremely difficult.

There are different levels of autism of course, but the basics are that autistic students have a problem with social interactions and appropriacy of topic.

I had a hell of a time dealing with this. The student was placed in a class of non-autistic students and the school managers decided not to tell any of us about it for the first three months.

My full advice on your situation is to get as much help and support as you can. Really, I think specialist training is required.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.