Daniel* is currently 4 years old and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. When Daniel first started school at PPS 9 months ago, he was having difficulty adapting to the new environment as he is non-verbal and faces multiple sensorial challenges. This pushed the team at AMK to experiment with modifying the environment in small ways that would invite him to be more comfortable and accepting of the school environment. For example, he was given a chair with a resistance band to counter sensory challenges, and a special learning corner was setup where calming items like a windmill, a fidget toy and headphones are available for his use. His teachers also equipped him with alternative ways of communicating with them as well as his peers, such as via concrete items or objects.
In the beginning, he would also refuse to eat anything other than crackers that were brought from home. The team has worked with him consistently in introducing and exposing him to various foods. He has now started to eat the school lunch and this has helped his parents who were hoping that they could get him to eat a wider variety of food.
Over the past few months, Daniel has started participating in school activities and routines actively, and currently shows better awareness to his surroundings and the people around him. Daniel has also begun to be more independent in removing and keeping his shoes, feeding himself, as well as undressing/dressing himself.
*Names have been changed to maintain anonymity If you would like to partner us in our work in creating an inclusive learning environment for children with added needs, you may consider donating to the Little Blessings for Little Ones fund. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/PPSBlessings