We ask a lot of our school teachers that go beyond the title itself.
They are, at any given time, protectors, advocates, disciplinarians, mentors and kids. We know that during these formative years, children are learning more than the subjects they are taught. They are also learning how to fit in with their peers, work with others, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and make decisions independently. The list is endless and teachers are often essential in that growth.
Add to that list the role of diagnostician.
For example, Jan is a first grade teacher and notices that Tom, one of her students, avoids eye contact and is disturbed by loud noises. Through her training she recognizes that these may be symptoms of autism, something Tom’s parents, having had no training, may not realize.
Often, but not always, teachers are the first to notice these issues.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, the nation’s public schools are required to provide services to those children who have, or are at risk of developing, disabilities.
Identifying those children who could benefit from assistive services is not always easy.
One of the ways school districts in many states, including Mississippi, identify children who need help is a program called Child Find, which coordinates diagnostic screening, placement, training and support. In addition to that, another important role is to promote public awareness of programs and services available to children who need them.
Our teacher, Jan, cannot start the process, however. That requires the approval of Tom’s parents. Jan will inform Tom’s parents of her suspicions, but it’s up to the parents to request a referral which puts in motion the process required to get Tom the services that can help him. As it is with many illnesses, early detection can make a huge difference in outcome. The earlier the evaluation, the better the child will perform.
For some parents, it can be a delicate matter. The idea that their child has special needs can be a bitter pill to swallow. For other parents, busy with work and the care of multiple children, the often subtle symptoms of a problem may be difficult to identify.
That’s where public awareness plays an important role, not only for parents but for extended family — grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends.
If you observe something that you feel might warrant closer inspection, it would be a good idea to let the parent know that help is readily available. All that is needed is for the parents to ask for a referral, and that begins with a phone call to the child’s school. Such conversations can be uncomfortable but potentially extremely beneficial for the child in the long run.
Let’s make sure our children get the help they need.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
