Freshman

What's your question?

I suffer from Autism. With that, if I'm not able to get a break in a long time I start to have overstimulation and it causes me to hyperventilate, shake a lot, and overall panic. It's just a horrible feeling. My 5th hour class is the absolute worst; our phones have to stay in a phone holder. The biggest thing that keeps me calm when I feel overwhelmed is music, and if I'm not allowed my music, how do I prevent overstimulation? I experience it everyday during 5th hour and I'm extremely tired of it. Music helps me stay calm and focused and has never distracted me in my 14 years of learning. What do I do?

Mr. Bobcat:

Dear Freshman,

I am sorry to hear that you have been feeling overwhelmed in your 5th hour class. Overstimulation is common for people on the Autism Spectrum. A classroom setting that is suitable for a typical student may be very overwhelming for a student with Autism. The first thing I would recommend doing is talking to your 5th hour teacher about what you are experiencing. If they don’t allow phones in their classroom, maybe you can agree on another calming technique that will meet your needs, but will also not be a distraction for the rest of the class. Another option that might be helpful is a 504 plan. A 504 is a legal document that provides accommodations for students whose disabilities are negatively impacting their education. This document is often very helpful in letting all your teachers know how to help you succeed at school. Some accommodations for a student with Autism might include the ability to take breaks during class time, the ability to use noise canceling headphones when the classroom gets too noisy, or the ability to go to a calming place in the school when you are feeling overstimulated. Once a 504 is in place, teachers and school staff are required, by law, to adhere to these accommodations while you are at school. A 504 is usually written by a team of people who know you best (parents, teachers, administrators, and you) and know what you need to succeed.  If you would like more information about whether a 504 would be helpful for you, talk to Mrs. LaRue in the main office. She would be happy to answer any questions you may have.