Meet Your Student for 2023/2024: Life, Likes, and Challenges

ALL ABOUT ALL ABOUT Your Student s Your Student s Name Name 2023/2024 2023/2024

I am XX years old and was born on I am XX years old and was born on March March XX XXst stXXXX. XXXX. This is a great place for a current picture.

XXXXXX over the years! XXXXXX over the years! This is a great place for baby pictures and pictures from trips or other experiences.

These are the people in my family These are the people in my family. . Dad Mom Grandpa & Grandma B Grandma & Grandpa M (deceased) Uncle Doug (deceased) Uncle Rick

My Life My Life I live with my . I see a During the school year, I participated in This Summer, This year (2023/2024), I will be participating These are just some examples.

XXXXXs Summer 2023! XXXXX s Summer 2023!

I Like to I Like to Swim or go to the splash pad. Visit the Sea Lions at the Zoo. Ride the Zoo train. Ride Horses Garden (Who doesn t like dirt, water, and sand?) Explore nature (plants, animals, space, and rocks I have a collection.) Go on walks and play on the swings. Shop (Trader Joe s, Walmart, Sam s, Whole Foods). Snuggle and read books or watch videos Take pictures with my iPad Painting/Print Making/Working with Clay/Tie Dye Eat Mexican food Quesadillas! (Grandpa s special ones) Cook I make great rice krispy treats! .and so much more! I like Art class, PE, and Culinary Arts!

I Do Not Like I Do Not Like Loud Noises particularly if other people are upset/crying or screaming or yelling (particularly when it is at someone). It helps me to stay calm when others around me are calm. Crowded hallways and stairs can make me very anxious. Being put in a tight closed in space, makes me very anxious and upset. Being rushed when moving or working on something not too fast, not too slow have to find the just right pace.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder I have an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, as well as Sensory Integration Dysfunction (I know, I know, what kid with autism doesn t have SID, but I m pretty impacted at times). I also have Apraxia of Speech and have issues with Anxiety. Communication - I am primarily non-speaking, but that doesn t mean I don t have plenty to say! I continue to learn how to express my needs, wants, feelings, and exchange information using a variety of modes an iPad talker , my voice, a communication wallet, and choice boards. It is helpful to have a variety of communication partners to talk about a variety of things. Socialization - I am still finding my way and sometimes need a little help to appropriately socialize. I really enjoy being with other people my age. Sometimes, I want to do what they are doing, other times I just want to watch and be around them. I like it when other people my age teach/show me things and assist me with tasks vs adults.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder I can become hyper-focused on certain items or topics. I can become very distracted from my work or task as a result of my high interest in these things or people. I'm learning how to read better, so I might be distracted by a lot of words on the walls, and signs, etc. I like to hold signs and examine them. I love books! I love to hold them, look at them, sometimes just the covers (block letter and lots of color). I love trains, particularly Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends. The Zoo train is also a favorite!

I am usually cool I am usually cool as cool as a cucumber! as cool as a cucumber! Behavior is communication I use a multi-modal communication system and need to have access to my choices at all times. Behavior Guidelines/Supports - Once I become upset it is difficult for me to use these systems, so we need to practice using them frequently and I need your help by watching for my precursor behaviors. Expressing My Feelings - When I get upset I am not trying to be mean or hurt anyone on purpose; I am just trying to express my feelings and/or get my wants/needs met. I also might not be feeling well (see Crohn s Disease). Body Awareness I have grown so big and am still learning how strong I really am and don t always realize that my arms, legs, and body are coming into contact with others.

I learn best.. I learn best .. When you first work on building a rapport with me before making demands and/or beginning instruction. When the lesson is meaningful and functional to me! I really enjoy hands on tactile learning. I need to MOVE! Sitting and listening lectures does not always work well for me, unless there is an interesting video, music or a performance is involved.

I learn best.. I learn best .. I need frequent body (movement) and brain breaks. People sometimes do not realize how much it takes out of me to focus and do well. Just because I need a break or to get up from an activity does not mean that I want to leave the class or activity. I may just need to move or am bored. I need to be given choices through out my day and benefit from a visual schedules and lots of pre-macking for transitions. When pre-macking my activities I like to use a First, Then system. I respond REALLY well to Positive Behavior Supports (Who doesn t? Focus on what I can do vs what I can t. I can do a lot of things if you show me. I like to be told I did a great job and I love high fives! )

What helps me to stay calm What helps me to stay calm and/or get back on track? and/or get back on track? When others stay calm it is easier for me to stay calm. A calm and guiding voice helps me to avoid getting upset or regroup. Choices - I need choices of strategies to stay on/or get on track. I have choice boards (digital and non-digital) that are helpful. At home my parents help me by reminding me when I am not upset that... When we get upset we STOP, SIT DOWN, HUG OURSELVES, AND BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE! .

What helps me to stay calm What helps me to stay calm and/or get back on track? and/or get back on track? I need to be reminded to take deep breaths (I sometimes forget when I am upset), I have a breathing buddy (puppy). My breathing buddy along with an ice pack (I also get very warm), low lights, and soothing music (Nora Jones) are very helpful. After being upset I may need a drink of water and a small snack. I may also easily get upset when I am thirsty, hungry, tired, or not feeling well. I need to stay hydrated (I have a water bottle with me at all times).

Potentially Lethal Potentially Lethal Food Allergies Food Allergies When I was very young, I was diagnosed with food allergies - Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Sesame Seeds, and Cats (Not life threatening causes some swelling and itching) . I require assistance to monitor for health and safety issues, as well as the administration of emergency medication. Please refer to XXXXXXXs Food Allergy Action Plan (FAAP) and 504 Plan.

Crohns Disease Crohn s Disease During the Spring xxxxx I was diagnosed with moderate to severe Crohn s Disease. It was horrible being in the hospital, but they took great care of me. I received a lot of Thomas trains and stickers and my Subaru With Love blanket, which is a favorite! I use to have to go to the hospital every week for infusions of iron and/or Remicade (a biologic) to keep me well and treat my Crohn s. I currently go for infusions of only Remicade every five (5) weeks.

Crohns Disease Crohn s Disease I have my good days and my bad days. I might be tired, not sleep well, have stomach cramps, nausea, vomit, and have loose stools. I may have all or some symptoms. When I am in pain I may engage in SIB (Self Injurious Behavior). I am learning to cope with the symptoms that can sometime come on quickly. Please see my Crohn s Cheat Sheet. It is REALLY important that I stay hydrated throughout my day. That is why I have a water bottle with me at all times You can also find lots of valuable information on the Crohn s and Colitis Foundation website. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease