Role of Teacher Assistant in Special Education School

Voices from the classroom. What does mean to be
Teacher Assistant in special education school for
children with recognised severe autism?

ABSTRACT
Autism can be described as a complex neurobehavioural condition including impairments
in social interaction, developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid as
well as repetitive behaviours. It involves the fact that autistic children has special needs which
are required to be completed by parents and carers in order to boost up their comfort zone for
improving their actual condition of severe autism. However, this situation of autism in kids
shows several features such as social withdrawal, verbal & non verbal communication problems
and rigid & repetitive behaviours in them which are challenging to deal. Teaching assistants
plays an important role in lives of autistic students as they put efforts to make favourable
atmosphere for them which facilitate to maintain the stable health condition. The given research
will concentrate on the aim to identify the experiences of Teacher Assistant in special education
school for children recognising the Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is necessary to analysed about
actual skills and capabilities of teaching assistants because their behaviour and way of dealing
with autistic students depends upon their capabilities. This assignment will focus on analysis of
the role of teacher assistant in special education school and determine the importance of teacher
assistant for children who recognised with severe autism. It will also include discussion about to
ascertain the challenges which are faced by teacher assistant while serving with special child.

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................2
TITLE: ‘Experiences of teaching assistants working with special needs children’........................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Overview of research..................................................................................................................3
Background of the study.............................................................................................................4
Significance of the study.............................................................................................................4
Research aim...............................................................................................................................5
Research Objectives....................................................................................................................5
Research Questions.....................................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................6
School policy...............................................................................................................................6
Role of teacher assistant in special education school..................................................................7
Importance of teacher assistant for children who recognised with severe autism....................10
Major challenges which are faced by teacher assistant while serving with special child.........13
Autism Spectrum disorder.........................................................................................................16
Aggression.................................................................................................................................17
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................19
Procedure...................................................................................................................................19
Epistemology.............................................................................................................................20
Research method.......................................................................................................................21
Research design.........................................................................................................................21
Research approach....................................................................................................................22
Research Philosophy.................................................................................................................22
Data collection..........................................................................................................................23
Data analysis.............................................................................................................................23
Ethical considerations...............................................................................................................24
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION.......................................................................................................24
Sense of struggle in autistic children and desensitization.........................................................24
Sense of struggle in autistic children and communication........................................................26
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The removal of blanket despair and similar threads.................................................................28
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................31
RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................33
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................34
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................36
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TITLE: ‘Experiences of teaching assistants working with special needs
children’.
INTRODUCTION
Overview of research
Teacher Assistant has a main role in special education in order to manage and maintain
their classroom and this will assist students to manage their disabilities. It includes emotional,
behaviour, learning disabilities, developmental delays, social disorders, communication
impediments and physically challenge. However, autism can be described as broad range of
conditions characterised by challenges along with speech, non- verbal communication, social
skills and repetitive behaviour (Alderson, 2014). A child with an Autism spectrum disorder is
very sensitive in several trouble ways like sounds, touches, smells or sights. In addition to this,
children having problem of autism shows related symptoms from birth but in some kids, signs
has been analysed after three years of age.
Moreover, the other fact about autism is determined that autism is four times more
common in boys as compared to girls. It include number of factors which impact on development
of autism such as sensory sensitivities and medical issues including seizures or sleep disorders,
gastrointestinal disorders along with mental disorders like depression, attention problem &
anxiety. Meanwhile, the autism spectrum disorder involves certain conditions including autistic
disorder, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, childhood disintegrative
disorder and Rett syndrome. Furthermore, situation of autism occurs due to certain causes like
advanced age of parents for having child, drugs or chemical intake by pregnant woman, use of
alcohol, maternal metabolic conditions and use of anti seizure drugs. The main role of teacher
assistant in special education school is to provide instruction and support with facilitating the
participation of students with disabilities in regular classroom (Lindsay and et. al., 2014).
The present report is based on requirements of teacher assistant to deal with children
having special need i.e. autism in order provide education to them. However, the children
suffering from autism spectrum disorder have specific needs and they are different from other
kids which create a requirements of teaching assistants to deal with such students on regular
basis. The main purpose of this assignment is to analyse number of teachers who work for
providing appropriate education to severe autism children. It includes to evaluate the specific
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roles of teacher assistants in special school in respect to deal with children with special needs i.e.
autism spectrum disorders. It is necessary to remain aware about particular strategies and ways
which are helpful to make autistic kids comfortable and avoid things which may impact
negatively on their condition. It will also focus on importance of teacher assistant for children
who recognised with severe autism. However, these assistants plays significant role in order to
support such kids by providing learning with the help of applying more effective as well as
appropriate methods to make sure that these pupils get maximum benefits through learning
activities (Webster, Russell and Blatchford, 2015). Moreover, it consist to make an efficient plan
of action which facilitate to provide appropriate profits of autistic children by teacher assistants.
The challenges which are faced by teacher assistant while serving with special child having
autism are also described in this is assignment. It involves number of problems which are
required to be solved to provide desired benefits to these special kids.
Background of the study
Autism spectrum disorder can be considered as a development of disorder that affects
behaviour of an individual as well as communication. This problem can be diagnosed at every
age of a person and it is known as development disorder because of number of symptoms
appeared generally in initial two years of life accordingly. However, people having autism faced
difficulty in communication and interaction with other individuals and shows restricted interest
& repetitive behaviours. In addition to this, symptoms that hurt an ability of a person to function
in appropriate way in school, work and other areas of life then they indicates about autism. It has
been determined that people with autism have problems at the time of carrying out social
communication & interaction, restricted interest and repetitive behaviours (Davis, 2017). Special
teaching assistants are required for children having specific needs including autistic kids which is
essential to provide support to them in their daily life at the time of studies in schools. In addition
to this, it is necessary for teaching assistants to acquire more effective as well as efficient skills
in respect of completing desired requirements of such children in appropriate manner.
Significance of the study
The research is important for analysing experience of teaching assistants in their role and
how they are working with special children and also examine their perceptions. This is helpful
for children in order to provide them special education programs so that they can receive the
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education by teacher assistant. Along with this, it will enable students to successfully develop
and formulate their full potential by giving free appropriate public education in compliance with
an individuals. Meanwhile, it is essential to make an appropriate approaches for improving skills
and abilities of teaching assistants hired to death with autistic students in order to make sure
regarding development of such children. In addition to this, it is significant to analyse in context
of experiences of Teacher Assistant in special education school for children recognising the
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in order to improve condition of such kids respectively (Shin,
Lee and McKenna, 2016). Moreover, every autistic child has specified abnormalities which is
required to be identified and provide desired facilities to them for their development.
Furthermore, it is important to determine required skills and qualities for teaching assistants in
respect to guide autistic children for improving their situation to facilitate better living.
Research aim
Aim: “To identify the experiences of Teacher Assistant in special education school for
children recognising the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”.
Research Objectives
Objectives:
 To analyse the role of teacher assistant in special education school.
 To determine the importance of teacher assistant for children who recognised with severe
autism.
 To ascertain the challenges which are faced by teacher assistant while serving with
special child.
Research Questions
Questions:
 What is the role of teacher assistant in special education school?
 What is the importance of teacher assistant for children who recognised with severe
autism?
 What are the major challenges which are faced by teacher assistant while serving with
special child?
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LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature review describe about publicised data and information in particular region
and these facts and figures are helpful in completing research report. It is considered as simple
summary of various sources but it is generally use specific organisational structure which
combined with both summary and brief conception. This is scholarly paper that includes current
knowledge and information including substantive findings and theoretical contribution to
particular topic.
School policy
Their are certain policies and procedure to for autistic children in schools, which provide
them several opportunities and rights to fulfil their special needs.
Accessibility in school policy: This policy considers disable students who have autism.
The Education Acts 2004 & 2009 and Equality act 2010 emphasise requirements for schools to
encourage accessibility for children with autism. School has to provide equal opportunities to
develop skills. It involves the policy of providing special education to children who have autism
and taking care of their special needs.
Charging and remissions policy: Full support has to be given to autistic children such
as equality of opportunities for every students, free education, providing everyone with free and
full access to balanced curriculum. As mentioned by Wehman and et. al., (2014), under this
policy contributions might be requested from carers and parents for addition services and costs
should covered within range of ordinary activities. Fun activities such as trips can be provide to
these children to create positive environment which will help them to learn certain new things.
Complaints procedure: Under this procedure, if parents find some mistake about school
they can complaint about it and this will improve the quality of teaching in school which is given
to children. There are certain methods for complaining the authority which has to be follow.
Individualized education plan: Under IEP review parents can requested for an IEP
review whenever they want. It will help them to know about their child's progression and
development.
Negotiation or mediation: Negotiation is a type of voluntary process described in people
with disabilities education improvement act under that neutral third party assists other parties to
resolve their disputes. This provides better education to child who are with special needs.
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Race equality policy: A child with autism should has race equality in both school and
society. According to opinion of Griffin and et. al., (2014), Autistic children are sensitive and
they can not make decisions regarding f what is wrong and right. If they discriminated with race
they can have negative effect on their nervous system.
Special education needs policy: This policy ensure that to provide care and fulfil their
special needs for children with autism. Parents should be supportive and they have to understand
the condition of child. It will help special education teachers to provide required education and
care. Special education teachers also interact with parents and discuss about their development
and progress.
Positive behaviour support policy: This policy concentrates to understanding behaviour
of autistic child. Under these policies, school teacher try to understand child's behaviour and
reason behind it because as normal children, autistic child does not express feelings so it makes
them aggressive which leads them to behave in a strange way. Under this policy, it is essential to
render some extra curriculum activity to children with autism which helps in their development.
Safeguarding children policy: Children who have autism require more safety the other
children. Every school has this policy which provide children safety and security. It also provides
other clubs facilities which develop skills in these children.
These school policies help to children with autism in progress and development. Above
policies help to children with their special needs.
Role of teacher assistant in special education school
The main role of teacher assistant in special education is to provide required information
to the students who are not able to acquire knowledge in better manner. Such teachers require to
maintain strong connection with them which help them in understand their issues and problems
and try to solve. Meanwhile, they need to give full information regarding each subject and
understand their views towards specific subject. In addition to this, it is necessary for teacher
assistant is to deliver accurate learning and gain high knowledge effectively. However, children
with special needs like autism wants different services, accommodation and modification in
educational experience. Knowledge about every type of disability and particular needs of
children with autism are crucial. As mentioned by Mikyung Shin (2015), special education
teacher plays a major role in proper education of special children. Main role of special education
teachers is to provide support and instruction that facilitates participation of those students who
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are dealing with autism in regular classroom for ensuring their development. Special education
teachers should maintain contact with special children family and relatives.
Firstly, they serves as a case manager and have to be responsible for implementation,
evaluation and development of students' individualized education program. Secondly, necessary
information should be provided to classroom teacher prior to child entering general education
regarding student's autism problem. Thirdly, development of schedules and managing plans for
para educators. However, it is necessary to collaborating with general education teachers in order
to acquire curriculum, ensuring implementation of modification, giving appropriate modification
and assessing entire process of child. Meanwhile, along with general teacher, supervise and
develop plans for paraprofessional duties. In addition to this, it is significant to maintain and
complete records of every student's including several information such as progress report,
documentation and behaviour plan. Moreover, maintain collaborative goodwill with general
teachers and maintain relationship with them for improving their condition. Furthermore,
keeping contact with the parents of assigned children in order to analysed their actual needs to
fulfil the same in appropriate manner.
Teacher in self controlled special education classroom in general education school –
This involves working with particular number of special children in special education setting.
According to to view point of Sarah McGillicuddy & Grainne M. O'Donnell (2013), this setting
allows for use of mainstream, involvement of special children in general education classroom. It
is for the part of regular school day, as educational tool at that time when student is ready for this
kind of transitional technique. Teacher in self contained classroom is generally assisted by
teaching assistant. In this setting, special educator can face different responsibilities including
curriculum development, post and pre testing with the help of group standardized test, parents
conference and monitoring individualized education programmes.
Resource teacher in non categorical and categorical resources room – In a special
school resource room deals with only single type of exceptionality which is called categorical
resources. And non categorical resource room is usually found in regular mainstream school in
which children with different exceptionalities get education at one time.
Alternative assessments – In case of students who are with autism, assessment refers to
collective information about students to identify strength of students and special education
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support. Test and assignments are given for assessment of student. As per opinion given by
Lynne Kendall and Elizabeth Taylor (2014), assessment is important because it helps to know
more about autism child and which can help to find a way to solve particular problem.
Least restrictive environment – It refers to combination of setting which involves
student with ordinary school and classrooms programs. Precise combination is observed by
circumstances of particular students and school. Special children are slow learners so it is
required to educate them accordingly. Special education teachers provide them suitable
environment so they can learn maximum and perfectly. Regularly special education teachers
interact with child's parents and family and discuss about progression and problems of child. If
child have problem with language or speaking it should be taken care by teacher and they try to
solve them.
There are certain strategies which are used by special education teachers so special child
can learn more and easily. It is helpful to use computer based programs to create interest in
students with autism. Standardized program helps teachers to customized lesson plan and create
effective one which can share with teachers and other students who may share same interests.
And this can be considered as a best method for children with autism which can be used by
special educational assistants to fulfil need of kids with autism. According to views of Denise
Foran (2015), setting desk in a row instead of using circular seating arrangement because
children with autism need their own space. Teachers keep their desk away from the doors and
windows which reduces distraction of child. Giving instruction which are easy to understand,
teachers can make it simple for students. Special education teacher uses colourful charts to make
students understand so children will gain knowledge if they find it attractive.
Teaching them social skills can help them to interact with more people and they will
learn how to communicate in a group. If their strengths are channelised it will give them
motivation to progress and develop more skills. Environment should be positive for such
children, environment affects on child's behaviour so it is necessary to be create a positive and
good environment. As mentioned by Abbey S. Eisenhower (2015), teachers create learning
environment which is enthusiastic, conductive and productive to academic success. If special
children are appreciated there are chances to progress in their stage. Teaching them new concepts
can make them independent and helps in improving their skills. Special education teachers
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organise games, short stories, have casual conversation may improve their condition. Teachers
should use pictures and charts which helps children to understand the things and help them to
learn more. Teachers provide them a positive role model so they can learn more about their
problems and can get courage to get over from the present condition. Special education teachers
talk to child with autism so they can know more about child's condition and get method to solve
this.
Special education teachers are those who work hard and appreciate less but still they
work to solve someone's problem selflessly and they will not be paid sufficiently for this work.
Even general education teachers do not respect them but still they work for these children.
Arranging parents meeting so they can talk about their child's condition which can help them to
understand more about child's condition. There are many challenges which are faced by special
education teachers and they try to give their best. They always try to find out problems of every
special child and treat them accordingly. Special education teachers deal with variety of
problems with different students and help them to develop more skills. Designing a separate
classroom and providing facilities according to their needs which is major role which plays a
special education teacher for child who is suffering from autism. A child with autism can be
arrogant and with unusual behaviour, which special education teachers deals with is not so easy.
Importance of teacher assistant for children who recognised with severe autism
Special education teachers do fantastic job top fulfil needs of special kids and their work
is complicated to understand. Special education is essential for a child who has autism. School
has to serve all kind of children and this consist the criteria that how the educators are trained
according to special needs of children. Special education teachers are important to help children
with disabilities such as autism and other issues in order to improve their comfort level. For
example a child with autism can be arrogant and with strange behaviour, it is difficult to predict
their behaviour at times. General education teachers are not trained to work for autism children
but the special education teachers are specially trained to deal with special children. As per views
of Engstrand and Roll‐Pettersson (2014), special education teacher can able to create
individualized and detailed education program for such students who have special needs like
autism. And these plans are meant to betterment of student's educational experience. Special
education teachers play critical role in development of children. An excellent teacher serves as
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an encouraging role model and inspirational for a special child which impacts positively on their
life. A special education teacher when work for a special child, deals with the diverse needs and
challenges.
Organising Skills – It is a one of the core skill which will help special education teacher
every day in classroom and their ability of organising things. Confidence of special children with
autism should stem from structure of orderly atmosphere which can be facilitate by the effective
efforts of a teacher. As per opinion given by Marshall and Goodall (2015), teachers can organize
classroom colourful and in an innovative way which attract children to learn something new.
Special education teachers can organize and keep the record to report and show administration in
context of improvement of teaching requirements. Using software programs are in trending
which makes their work easy. If a teacher will be well organized, teacher can help a child with
s.pecial need in innovative and in an organized way.
Creativity – Every child has a different learning style. A good special education teacher
will able to adapt the lessons in a creative way and able to find the strengths of every individual
child. These teacher are able to include every child in learning process that may involve teaching
same material in four or more different ways. A special teacher are very adaptable they can teach
children with different techniques which will benefit all the students and help to develop skills. If
a child learning best visually the they can also develop child's own kinaesthetic and auditory
learning styles in creative classroom. Only special education teachers will have the creativity to
teach special children in different ways to make them learn more and it will develop skills in
other areas.
Highly intuitive – Certain children can find difficulty in expressing their feelings in a
proper way due to lack of communication skills. They can act out because of the feelings such as
confused, overwhelmed and frustrated. As per views provided by Lang and et. al., (2014), special
education teachers need to have intuitive skills so they can get to know reasons behind children's
strange behaviour. Special education teachers are trained in such a way that they can handle
every kind of child's behaviour can help to feel them better. These teachers can easily deal with
such kind of situations.
Calming nature – Intensity of classroom environment can also create stress. The
children with autism may deal with learning and behavioural issues, only a special education
teacher can help them with these issues. And only a great teacher will be with calm nature that
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helps to decrease stress in class. Maintaining calm atmosphere is a crucial skill of a special
education teacher. It takes a lot of guts and courage to deal with child with autism because one
will never know about the child's behaviour so a good trained special education teacher can do
that.
Detailed- oriented – Paying attention to each and every detail is required in case of
autism child, which can be done by a well organized teacher, who is good with detailed oriented
skill. According to views of Everard (2014), A teacher will always assess a child with different
methods such as formal and informal. In case of special children every small detail makes a
difference. These teachers always pays a close attention to every detail so they can help the child
in an appropriate way.
Deadline- oriented – Following a clear and strict schedule to help children is necessary
for every teacher and which special education teacher has that makes them different from other
normal teachers. And these teachers also help to set a goal and achieve that for a special child.
Adaptability – This is very important for a special education teacher because in which
environment they teach, anything can happen at any time. Children may have disruptions,
meltdowns and outbursts due to attend mainstream classes as well as meeting with therapists.
Teacher should able to deal with such situations and has to be flexible during every situation.
Modelling adaptability is essential because if a teacher will give a model to a child who is with
autism, child will able to learn how to live with these disabilities. Special education teacher also
teach them effectively how to react in different situation. Special education teacher are so
adaptive that they will be able to deal with any kind of situations which comes during teaching
children having autism.
Even tempered – Classroom is a basic place to learn something for a children and if a
classroom is well maintained and stressless then children will learn quickly. Special education
teachers also keep contact with parents of children with autism. As mentioned by Rivard and et.
al., (2014), stress results in bad tempered but special education teachers in spite of showing
temper they calm themselves and maintain a even temper along with this a special education
teacher has excellent coping techniques. These techniques required for teacher to handle children
with autism.
Good sense of humour – Good special education teachers should have a good sense of
humour like teacher should recognize appropriate time to laugh which can make children
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cheerful and creates a positive environment which helps to children to develop their skills. A
teacher can be effective when teacher knows how to create a well environment to learn and
develop skills, that can only done by a special education teacher.
True love for children – Special education teachers always have a love for children who
are with autism. If a child gets desired love, it will help in their development. Special education
teachers will have genuine love for children with autism that is why they choose their career to
help such children.
Dealing with children having autism is not easy and it can be considered as a critical job.
However, normal educational tutors are not capable to do this as it is important to having special
education teachers who can fulfil the special needs students. Only special education teacher are
trained to deal with such situations. They can create a positive and learning environment with
their creativity so children can develop more skills and knowledge.
Major challenges which are faced by teacher assistant while serving with special child
Autism is neurobehavioural condition which includes impairments in development
language and social interaction and communication skills conjugate with repetitive behaviours,
rigid. A child who has autism has difficulty in communicating. They can not understand properly
what others feel and think. And this condition makes hard for them to express either with gesture
or words, touch and expression. Teacher assistant needs to have better understanding about
autism and it can affect learning. And they also want help putting proper strategies in place.
Hyperactive and inattentive behaviours: Teachers often face behaviour like
hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The special child who has autism do not pay attention
in games or tasks, can not understand when directly spoken, difficulty in following instruction
from assistant teacher. As per view point of Dorothea C. Lerman (2015), disliking activities
which requires sustained efforts and they can be easily distracted by extrinsic stimuli.
Impulsivity was observed as blurting out the questions and answers during general instruction,
competitive group games and interrupting others. Addressing hyperactive and inattentive
behaviours appeared to be serious teaching challenge for a assistant teacher. And in this situation
the other children will not want them in their group for games.
Social isolation and social impairment: This is the second most challenge which can be
faced by a assistant teacher. In this, child has trouble in responding to others or to their feelings
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or emotions, has difficulty in reading emotions, does not make eye contact, not sharing personal
space or equipments with anyone. Competitive situations are worst for these kind of children.
They have trouble with turn task, waiting turn, boundaries and roles. It can be difficult to pair up
these children with the others in any group tasks because in this case, child does not want any
kind of interaction with other children and in some situations when others get frustrated with
special child behaviour they start treating in a rude way. Because other children think that this
child is weird and does not want any partner.
Difficulties in performing tasks and understanding: This is the difficult challenge to
face for teachers. Special child who has autism can not understand instruction properly and so
will not be able to perform tasks. As mentioned by Caroline Smith (2017), even physical
activities such as fitness activities, rollerblading etc. can not be performed by the child because
of less core strength and poor balance and sometimes they can start off topic discussion in group
discussions.
Emotional regulation difficulties: Three types of emotional regulation related
difficulties are: oppositional- defiant behaviour, aggression and anxiety. Anxiety often occurs
when child can not able to perform task, was expected to interact with other children, seeking
attention from peers, during competitive activity or any kind of activity child does not like.
Examples like being agitated or irritated, lying on floor, walking away from group. Aggression is
a type of negative behaviour which takes negative verbal expressions, anger towards self or
others. Oppositional defiant behaviours refers to misbehaviour or blaming other for the mistakes,
intentionally attempting to annoy others.
Issues in allotting tasks : It's very difficult to give task to children with autism because
they may refuse to do anything. They may feel pressure from the teacher assistant. During
training, teacher assistant can face the challenges such as child may feel that teacher is not
helping him because in this state child's mind will not able to understand what is good for him.
As per views of Balshaw, (2014), during training the important part is children should
understand the given instructions and what teacher wants to make them understand. Sometimes
child can show aggression or 'I can't' Type of attitude.
Non- instructional responsibilities: Some teachers are well trained and willing to teach
but sometimes they find themselves burdened because of responsibilities which remove them
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from classroom. In special education teachers are suppose to go in meetings, have to deal with
lots of paperwork and conducting assessment.
Lack of support: In many large schools districts experiencing high level growth but
special education teachers has do more with less. Even salaries are reduced and school
administration also provide a little in way of technical assistance.
Handling death: In some cases special child can be with severe chronic illness in that
case it may result in death. Handling these types of challenges is must in special education
teacher.
Handling problems of inclusive classroom: Concept of having a classroom which
contain special needs students as well as students who are processing typically is becoming
popular. According to opinion provided by Hammel and Hourigan (2017), this kind of education
gives new different challenges to face a special education teacher example like people who do
not have any kind of disability are unusual to deal with those who have. Teachers are taken care
of these children with their special needs.
Professional isolation: Work of special education teachers is very different from the
traditional teachers so standard classroom teachers may not treat them as collogues. May be
professional mark attached to work of special education teachers as teaching “slow” students.
Special education teaches are mainly focus on skills than focusing on content so this leads to a
perception like their work is less important and easy. Usually special education teaches work in
small groups so it is also one of the reasons.
Lack of parents support: In some cases parents of special children are disinterested in
welfare of their own child and neglect them to provide adequate care. And simultaneously they
can be over protective. As per views of Reiman and Leighton (2015), this can create a problem
both for child and teacher. If parents will be disinterested, they will not show any kind of
involvement in child's education as well as interacting with teacher. Parents negligence can
create problem for child because without parents support child will not be able to learn anything.
Budget problem: All over the world this is major problem which is faced by special
education programs. And work load is more as teacher assistants are not available. And these
challenges make special education teacher's task difficult. Lack of resources and equipments for
classrooms and providing education for special child.
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Autism Spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder refers to a condition which is related to development of brain
that affects ability of a person to perceive and socialize with other people and it causes problems
such as communication and social interaction. This disorder also repetitive and limit patterns of
behaviour. 'Spectrum' refers to broad range of symptoms as well as severity. It begins in early
childhood eventually causes functioning problems in society and in school. However, autism has
several symptoms including abnormal body posturing, improper tone of voice, avoidance of eye
contact, behavioural disturbances, flat or monotonous speech and so on. Autism spectrum
disorder has no cure.
Symptoms – Initially children show the symptoms like lack of response, reduced eye
contact etc. Such children remain normal but suddenly become aggressive and lose language
skills which they acquired already. These signs or symptoms can be seen by the age of 2 years.
As mentioned by Wong and et. al., (2015), every child who is with autism spectrum disorder
have unique level of severity and pattern of behaviour which is consist the abnormality level
from least functioning to high. Children with autism spectrum disorder may face difficulty in
learning and lower intelligence as compared to normal children. And some of kids who have
disorder are observed as at high intelligence and learn quickly but have trouble in
communicating and adjusting with social situations. There is a unique mixture of signs in every
child, such as severity can be difficult to find sometimes. Commonly it is based on level of
impairments and impacts on ability to function.
Patterns of behaviour – Child with autism spectrum disorder have limited, interest or
activities including signs such as performing repetitive movements like hand flapping, spinning,
rocking. Activities which can self- harm like head banging or biting also involved. Develops
specific rituals or routines and becomes very disturbed at slightest change. They have major
problem with coordination and shows odd movement, clumsiness, exaggerated body language.
Difficulty in understanding function of any object. And having specific food preferences and
eating only few foods. As children grow some of them shows less disturbance in behaviour but
some continues to find difficulty with social skills and language later which can bring emotional
and worse behavioural problems.
Causes – Autism spectrum disorder does not have only one known cause. Both
environment and genetics play a major role.
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Genetics – There are many different genes which involve to cause autism spectrum
disorder. According to opinion given by Bourgeron (2015), autism spectrum disorder is
associated with genetic disorder like Rett syndrome in some children and in others mutations in
genes can cause autism spectrum disorder and other genes can affect development of brain and
brain cells to communicate which is severity of symptoms. Certain genetic mutations occurs
spontaneously and some seems to be inherited.
Environmental factors – Viral infection or complication during pregnancy and air
pollutants have role to trigger autism spectrum disorder.
Complications – Problems with communication, behaviour and interactions. Children
with ASD face major issues in classroom as they find problems to understand and unable to live
independently. Due to these reasons child can face social isolation which can create stress in
family.
Prevention – It is hard or no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder but there are
different alternatives for treatment of the same. Special education teachers can improve their
condition by teaching them in various ways for their development. They help to improve their
communication skills and other skills in different areas.
Aggression
Temper tantrums and aggression can be seen in children with autism, a most challenging
behaviour for parents and those teachers who deal with children with autism. Aggression in a
child can lead to self harm or sometimes to others. Children with autism will not be able to
explain what they want to say and having difficulty to express their feelings and not able to
speak things which hurt them because of communication difficulties. Therefore, children with
autism express difficulties & hurt feelings with temper tantrums and aggression. Sometimes
insignificant situation can also lead to repetitive behaviour. With the development, handling
aggression is important for a child. In case of autism as child grows, temper becomes hard to
cope with. Aggression can cause physical damage and also mental damage in child who has
autism.
Signs of aggressive behaviour: If a child is born with autism, child's family start
struggling with lots of problems. One of the major problem is behavioural impairment for family
who is with autistic child. As per views of DiLalla (2017), most of the time intense behavioural
impairment can be observed like biting, scratching, kicking or biting siblings, hitting head and
17

self harm. A child can show aggression behaviour with variable intensity, duration and
frequency.
Children with autism have poor communication skills and can not understand properly
which makes them aggressive. In school, they cannot be socialize with other students which
result into social isolation, create irritation & stress in children with autism, and also lead to
aggression. These children will always tense and anxious, and want to run away from stressful
situations. They have sensory sensitivities such as over sensitivity to noise, not able to expressing
things like what they want and need so they become aggressive and start showing aggression.
They do not socialize with group of children, always want to be alone and if someone tries to
talk to them they do not response.
If a child become aggressive then it makes public outings and other social situations
difficult. It also add stress to family and other people who care about such kids. As mentioned by
Elson and Ferguson (2014), aggression can be highly challenging for autistic child's parents,
teachers and caregivers. In kids aggressive behaviour is used to get attention and things they
want. When child get affected with stress and can not express it, then child becomes aggressive.
Managing aggression: A doctor can help to overcome from the aggression by interacting
and understanding the problem. There are certain behavioural interventions to decrease
aggression in autistic child. Therapists and doctors can coach caregivers and parents using
techniques which can prevent aggressive behaviour which is associated to autism. Caregivers can
learn approaches to prevent and stop aggressive behaviour in children with autism. The goal is to
reduce negative behaviour that can help the child learn act properly in social situations.
Caregivers can learn about warning signs which precede aggressive behaviour thus they can
apply techniques to control it. Behavioural interventions should performed regularly so they need
great deal of allegiance from caregivers. There are certain medication to reduce aggression in
autistic children such as antipsychotic medication and mood stabilizes.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is the procedure and method that can be used for selecting,
identifying and analysing whole facts and figures regarding specific topic. In this part, they are
permit all readers in order to evaluate research validity and reliability effectively. It is necessary
for an investigator to select more effective as well as efficient methods in order to carrying out
18

overall research in appropriate manner. However, it will facilitate to gain ore accurate finding
which are useful in future for applying practically in respect of gaining improvement in specified
area. An investigation should carry out for explaining, describing and predicting working process
in better manner. It is that study which assist in acquiring skill and knowledge while completion
of research report.
Procedure
The procedure of present research consist onion model including number of methods and
techniques which are required to be used to conduct investigation in appropriate manner. Onion
model of research that has major influence on methodology of the research work. There are
different elements involved in research required to be checked so that research deign can
derived. Research philosophy is the first attribute of the any study which is orient research
questions to certain philosophy (Kendall and Taylor, 2016). Ontology is a function of the reality
and epistemology as interrelationship between researcher and the reality. Positivism is defined as
positivist ontology believe that world to be an extrinsic. And researcher maintain suitable
distance with participants and ignore engaging with them. Realism is pretty similar to the
positivism in case of philosophy and connected to scientific enquiry. Realism asserts, existence
of the reality is independent on mind and senses of researcher shows the truth, rather than fact
which researcher is influenced by the world views and past experiences. Interpretivism is
defined as reality is proportionate and numerous. Pragmatism is significant in ability of the
research findings to regulate practical consequences.
Research approach is mainly identifies base of research strategy and gives direction to
research methods. Deduction is defined as previously existing theories which are used for
presenting hypothesis affiliated to specific condition for the deriving empirical information
(Faupel, Herrick and Sharp, 2017). Inductive approach is non numerical data which
predominately utilized in research so the results of numerical analysis can be substantiated.
Research methods have different procedures such as sequential, concurrent and transformative
procedures. Time horizon is last layer of research onion which has two types longitudinal and
cross section. Research deign strategy and objectives is to achieve three primary objects such as
understand promotional mix which is adopted by the pharmaceutical companies, identify key
factors which influence prescription behaviour of physicians and to develop brand choice for
framework.
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Onion model for research helps to experiences of the teaching assistants who are working
for the children with special needs. This also help to promote research and identify approaches
for the particular research (Balshaw, 2014).
Epistemology
Epistemology is a branch of philosophy which deals with sources of knowledge. Mostly,
epistemology is deals with nature, limitation of knowledge, sources and possibilities in field of
study. Simultaneously it can be branded as study of criteria by which researcher classifies what
should be or should not constitute the knowledge. In other words it mainly focuses on way of
thinking which is opposite to ontology. There are four categories first is intuitive knowledge that
is based on the intuition, beliefs and faith. Human feelings plays a major role in the intuitive
knowledge compare to the reliance on facts. Authoritarian knowledge is depend on information
which has been received from books, supreme powers, experts and research papers. Logical
knowledge is creation of the new knowledge through logical reasoning application. Empirical
knowledge mainly relies on the objective facts which have been constructed and demonstrated
(De Bortoli and et. al., 2014).
Research process can integrate all these knowledge sources within single study. As
example intuitive knowledge is used in order to choose specific problem to get explored within
the selected research area. Epistemology has several branches which include historical
perspective, empiricism, rationalism, progressivism, constructivism, perennialsm, essentialism
etc. Empiricism accepts the personal experiences related with feelings, senses and observation as
valid source of the knowledge, whereas rationalism is empirical findings acquired through
reliable and valid measures as sources of knowledge. This is required in research and the
teaching experience which is gained by special education teachers who deals with the special
children and their needs.
Research method
In this part, an investigator need to access authentic facts and figures of the research so
that they can easily execute effective methods and tools for gaining benefits from such
procedure. There are mainly two methods of investigation such as qualitative and quantitative. In
this, qualitative method is used for gathering and collecting appropriate data for completion of
project and its main motive is to maintain quality of contend by researcher. It consist the criteria
20

of understanding opinions, reasons and motivations in context of specific research topic or
problem. This method will provide support to a researcher an insights into problem or helps for
developing more effective as well as efficient hypothesis or ideas in order to conduct
investigation. On the other hand, quantitative research method assist in gathering and collecting
authentic facts and figures with the assistance of graphs and charts (Lindqvist and Nilholm,
2014). In this, researcher mainly concentrate on evaluating and understanding qualitative factor
of particular theme. It is used to quantify their problem by the way of generating numerical data
which can be transformed into useable statistics. Moreover, it consist to utilise quantify attitudes,
behaviour, opinions and defined variables along with generalising outcomes from a larger
sample population. In this current report, an investigator applied qualitative method in order to
gather or collect required information for making report.
Research design
Research design is type of plan to answer the research question. Research method is
strategy that is used to implement the plan. Research methods and design are different but quite
related because a good research design assures that data which is obtained will defiantly help
researcher to answer all research questions more effectively. Descriptive research design,
researcher is entirely interested in describing condition under the research study (Gascoigne,
2014). This is theory based research that is created by analyse, gather and presents the collected
data. Experimental research design is commonly used to build relationship between effects and
cause of the situation. It is causal research design in which effects caused by independent
variable on dependent variable is determined. Exploratory research refers to explore particular
aspects of research area. Exploratory research does not provide conclusive answers and final
answers to research questions. In this research descriptive design is used which help to
implement depth of research.
Research approach
Research approach is a procedure and plan which made up of steps of wide assumptions
to elaborated method of data collection, interpretation and analysis. Therefore based on nature of
research issues being addressed. Relevance of the hypotheses to study is most distinctive point
between the inductive and deductive approaches. Deductive approach checks validity of the
assumptions, whereas the inductive approach contributes to emergence of new generalization and
theories. In deductive inference, when premises are true but in case of induction inference used
21

to regulate untested conclusion. If there is a formulated set of hypothesis for dissertation which
required to be confirmed during research process, in this case deductive approach has to be
follow (Pratt, 2014). Inductive research approach does not include formulation of hypothesis. It
initiates with the research questions, aims and objectives which need to be accomplish during
particular research process. In the present research inductive research approach is used to
because it mainly focuses on aims, objectives and research questions which elaborate about
special education teacher and how they help to children with their special needs.
Research Philosophy
It is the value or belief which can be applied for assembling and collecting correct
information while completion of specific report. This part indicates various types of patterns and
beliefs which are being followed by an investigator and their main responsibility is to choose
accurate philosophy in order to achieving with potential results. In positivism, it is believe that
reality is stable and it is considered from objectives point of view without interference with
phenomenon being studied. In addition to this, it consist associated with scientific method which
involves a believe that rigorously scientific as the natural sciences. However, the theories and
hypothesis has been developed and then carrying out test through utilising direct observation or
empirical investigation (Galović, Brojčin and Glumbić, 2014). On the other hand, interpretivism
refer as subjective interpretation that is reality which required to be understand. However, it
includes that knowledge is not objective and value free but it can be transmitted to with the help
of discourse, experiences and ideas. Meanwhile, interpretive researchers assume that access to
reality is only through social constructions such as consciousness, language, instruments and
shared meanings. Furthermore, the present investigation will focus on interpretivism philosophy
to gain accurate results about experience of teaching assistants for autistic students.
Data collection
It is classified into various methods and strategies which can be used for gathering and
collecting correct data for completion of research project. However, it is necessary to utilise
desired method for collecting required data for conducting investigation in proper manner. There
are two fundamental sort of information in order to gather methods and it is combines essential
and important sources which are described as under:
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Primary data – This is that method which can be useful in social occasion and also
collect actual facts and figures in better manner. It can be analysed that there are different
sources and methods which assist in collecting accurate statistical data points within various
elements. It includes different sources such as interview, observations, contemplate and many
more (Sebba, Byers and Rose, 2018). It will assist them in gathering and collecting authentic
information and data while completing project.
Secondary data – This can be categorised as the major process which assist social affair
data and information by other person. This can be used for analysing and examining required
facts so that this will help them in formulating valid conclusion for such surveys and other
methods. There are different sources for collecting information such as books, diaries, daily
paper, magazines and so more. Furthermore, the given investigation is based on secondary data
collection method in order to gather appropriate information to find out appropriate outcomes
regarding experience of teaching assistants in context of special students with autism.
Data analysis
Methodology of the dissertation must include discussion about data analysis methods.
There is difference between quantitative and qualitative data analysis. In qualitative research
using focus groups, experiments, interviews etc. data analysis involve identifying common
patterns within critical analysing and responses them to achieve research objectives and aims (De
Matthews, 2015). Data analysis for the quantitative studies, on other hand it involves
interpretation and critical analysis of numbers and figures and attempts to search rationale behind
emergence of the main finding. Data analysis methods in absence of primary data collection may
involve discussing the common patterns and also controversies within the secondary data which
is directly related to research area. Data analysis is very essential in the particular research
related to special education teachers and their contribution for special children.
Ethical considerations
Ethical consideration in the research are critical. Ethics are standards or norms for
conduct which differentiate between wrong and right. This can be specified as most important
part of research. Dissertations can be doomed to failure due to missing of this part. Research
participants can not be subjected to damage in any ways. The important part is respect for dignity
of participants has to be prioritised. Ethical behaviour is critical for the collaborative work
23

because this supports environment of trust and mutual respect among the researchers. It is
specially important when the accepting problems connected to data sharing, copyright
guidelines, co-authorship and confidentiality issues (Lee and et. al., 2015). Researches has to be
adhere to the ethical standards for public believe and support in the research. In this research all
the ethical norms and standards are used to study about the special children and their need which
is fulfil by the teacher assistants, because ethical consideration are important in this research and
also in many professional association have adopted policies and codes which outline guide
researchers and ethical behaviour.
ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
Considering above described information about experience of teaching assistants deal
with children having special needs, it has been analysed that they should have appropriate skills
in order to fulfil desires of these kids. It involves the criteria of maintaining abilities to provide
desired atmosphere for students having autism so that they can spend their lives in comfortable
manner. However, it is observed that autistic kids requires special treatment and atmosphere
which should be provided by teaching assistants in order to development of them accordingly. In
addition to this, the present research will focus on thematic analysis in order to find out
appropriate outcomes (Bryant, Bryant and Smith, 2019).
Sense of struggle in autistic children and desensitization
Sense of struggle in autistic children is different for ever single kid as some of them did
not become friendly to new people very soon. It includes that autistic kids has several issues like
they have limited social interaction, communication skills and motor abnormalities including
coordination of balance & poor timing. However, it has been analysed that students with autism
has number of impairments such which generally involves social skills deficit that is responsible
for creating difficulty in order to make friends. It also consist the communication and language
problems which often mean that an individual faced trouble in understanding as well as retaining
information provided in a verbal format. Meanwhile, they will struggle with subtitles of language
which consist two factors like innuendo or sarcasm. In addition to this, autistic children face
difficulties with flexible thinking that is usually means that a patient with autism spectrum
disorder has problem in taking different perspectives, empathy or any sudden changes in daily
routines. Moreover, it is determined that appropriate techniques and atmospheres is required to
24

be provided for students having special needs and this should be done by teaching assistants in
order to improve condition of autistic kids (Specht and et. al., 2016). Furthermore, it is evaluated
that kids with autism find repetitive routines comfortable which is generally considered to be
unusual by normal people. The teaching assistants should focus on those aspects which are
favourable for autistic students in order to improve their medical condition.
Autistic children are more sensitive than the normal ones which consists number of
sensory activities such as taste, sight, touch, sound, smell, temperature, sense of balance, position
& movement and pain. However, such kids are not able to establish attachment easily with new
people and may feel uncomfortable as well. Desensitization is a type of process or treatment
which diminishes emotional responsiveness to positive or negative stimulus after the repeated
exposure to it. This also occurs when emotional response is recurrent evoked in the situation in
that action tendency which is connected with emotion proves unnecessary or irrelevant. This
helps in modification of behaviour technique that is used in treating phobias, in which
undesirable emotional response or panic response to given stimulus is extinguished or reduced,
by repeated exposure to particular stimulus. And secondly person is taught the techniques which
produce deep relaxation. Desensitization works better when people get directly exposure to
stimuli and conditions they fear so that anxiety evoking stimuli paired with the inhibitory
responses (Hanko, 2016). Under this techniques there are certain therapies which are used to
remove fear and improve the behaviour of children who are with autism. It has been evaluated
that teaching assistants are required to apply effective techniques like desensitization in order to
improve comfort level of autistic student and improve their condition properly.
At the other hand, it has been analysed that students with autism have struggles in their
daily which are described here. Firstly, autistic kids struggles to make friends in which they face
several types of social interaction impairments such as passive, aloof, active but odd type and
overly formal or stilted type. Secondly, these students face difficulties to communicate but it
does not that they do not want to be heard by other individuals and they have issue in grammar &
vocabulary. Thirdly, it has been analysed that special kids had problem to understand the spoken
words by normal people and they did not analyse facial expressions, body and any range of
gestures that generally coincide with spoken words. However, it is observed that special kids
utilise different intonation as compared to other people and imagination & pretend games is not
kind of fun for them. Meanwhile, autistic children love simple & repetitive activities and these
25

kids are capable to invent their routines for themselves. In addition to this, autistic kids can be
very clumsy and they might have unusual gaits & posture which may not normal for other people
(Westwood, 2018). Moreover, theses children face problem as they avoid loud noises because
such kids are very sensitive to hear high pitch volumes and this kind of behaviours has a
technical terms including echolalia and echopraxia.
It has been analysed that desensitisation can be used by teaching assistants in respect of
improving comfort level of autistic children. As per views given by Rutgers and et. al., children
with ASDs are capable to develop safe attachments to care givers like physicians and teaching
assistants. However, it has been analysed that inability to establish an attachment, lack of early
and secure attachment leads to the social isolation which is observed in autistic children. In
addition to this, it is determined that children with autism shows attachment behaviours then they
are significantly less securely attached and cannot be comforted by their care provider
accordingly. It is evaluated that teaching assistants are very important for autistic children in
terms of improving their condition. Firstly, they offer one to one support to kids and provide
access for children. Secondly, they give extra set of eyes, take over some of the pressure of
teacher, apply effective strategies and remain friendly & approachable. Thirdly, they provide
help to kids to find a Eureka breakthrough and do a lot behind the scenes (Ball and Green, 2014).
Meanwhile, teaching assistants to make autistic children remember their routine things and
remain attached to them.
Sense of struggle in autistic children and communication
Most of children who are with autism struggle with the communication. They do not
reply to several non verbal forms of the communication which many of individuals take for
granted such as facial expressions, eye contact and physical gestures. It has been analyse that
these children are not able to express and understand their needs because they are not able to
understand and interpret needs of others, which impairs their capability to share activities and
interests with other people. When they do not able to speak and express themselves they likely
appear aloof and distant as they are delayed in speech and they struggle to make any sense of the
non-verbal forms of the communication. Such children always repeat actions and behaviour
continuously. According to the analysis there is limited understanding and use of non verbal
communication like facial expression, gesture and eye gaze. They feel difficulty sustaining and
forming friendship because other children do not want to interact with children who are suffering
26

with autism as they have different behaviour which can irritate other children (Washburn, Binks‐
Cantrell and Joshi, 2014). Most of children who are with autism has lack of seeking any kind
sharing such as interests, activities and enjoyment with other individuals. It has been evaluated
that main difficulties are find with emotional and social responsiveness. Trying to make the
sense of world where everyone else which seems to know each other even if rules seem to
change is very frustrating at best and several days it may feel demoralizing. With the help of
analysis it is found that children with this disorder experience world this way because they
communicate in different way as compare to other children they are less expressive and may not
be normal at times. According to evaluation children with autism has communication problem
because their communication will not be effective for others. Other normal children make quick
judgement what they are perceiving from the autistic children and it can lead to misconception
which creates fear in these children and they gradually lose interest in interaction.
It has been observed that due to lack of communication they lack interest in social
interaction. Individuals who are moderate to the severe end of autism display dislike or
indifference for interaction. This research suggested that pleasure inducing chemicals that are
commonly released in brain by the social interaction do not appear to emerge for so many people
on autism.
Special education teacher help to autistic children with their needs. There are certain
things and methods which help to provide care and support to such children that they can
overcome their problems and progress health. In case of communication these teachers adopt
techniques and methods to improve communication skills (Killoran, Woronko and Zaretsky,
2014). Social interaction is totally based on society, community and families. Many
communication techniques help to educators such as low speech skills that help children to learn
better. It is observed that if communication will be easier they can interact more with people and
which will help them to express their feelings and emotions. Environment is very important for
these children it should be suitable according to their requirements so that they can feel more
comfortable. Ensuring that learning lesson and environment are structure in such a way that tells
children as well as educator about their requirements and improvement they can do to make it
more effective. Social interaction should be encouraged so that children with autism can develop
more skills and knowledge which helps them to communicate with society. Most of these
children will not show interest in interacting with people so these skills are important to create
27

interest to communicate. Autistic children lack because of the language if teachers will use
language that includes gestures and facial expression there are more chance that these things may
not make any sense so using direct language help these children to understand properly
(Macintyre, 2015).
In this research it has been analysed that creating environment which is not the over
stimulating because noise can negatively impact on their behaviour. Listening and paying
attention to their thoughts so that they can feel more comfortable to express themselves.
Promoting social skills automatically develop communication in autistic children, they will be
able to socialise with the other children. Meanwhile, the Klein splitting is helpful to facilitate
emotional and cognitive development which supportive to autistic children in terms of improving
their conditions accordingly. Moreover, Bowlby theory of attachment states that disorganised
attachment of autistic kids is required to be improved in order to balance appropriate condition of
them. Accurate attachment of such children with their family members or teaching assistants is
helpful to mange their behaviours and daily routine life properly. Additionally, Donald Meltzer
states that care practitioners faced difficulty when patients with mode of relating is adhesive and
they remain stuck to single thing or object.
The removal of blanket despair and similar threads
The autistic disorder includes social withdrawal problem in which children & adolescents
differ in their capability to interact socially and in their desire to do so. It involves that fact that
some demonstrate an inability or lack of desire to interact with others (Vaiouli, Grimmet and
Ruich, 2015). However, it has been analysed that when such inabilities interferences within the
development as well as functioning, it qualifies as a problem. It indicates number of symptoms in
different stages of life including infancy in which several signs are observed like they may be
irritable and difficult to console and may exhibit repetitive behaviour such as head banging. Such
individuals may shows low levels of social responsiveness, may withdraw in the absence of
persistent efforts of parents to encourage social interaction. However, symptoms determined in
early childhood consist appears self absorbed, preferring solitary play to interacting with others
and may exhibit some mildly compulsive or rigid behaviours. In addition to this, symptoms
observed in middle childhood involves that autistic kids rarely initiates peer interactions, prefers
solitary play to group activities and may be increasingly concerned about following rules as well
as maintaining routines. Moreover, autistic children in adolescence has few friendships, face
28

issue ion social situations, may be viewed as a longer and remain socially isolated. Meanwhile,
they may have eccentric hobbies & interests and indicates little concern for popular styles or
dress or behaviours accordingly (Fenty and Anderson, 2014).
At the other hand, it has been evaluated that social systems are very effective for people
having autism because these system splays am important role in order to improve their situation.
It involves the fact that social systems performs as a defence against the problem of anxiety
which is required to reduced in autistic kids so that their regular routine can be improved
respectively. However, it is observed that anxiety is responsible for making condition worse in
autistic children which create difficulty to maintain their stability. In addition to this, it is
determined that the emotional dimension of social experience contains meaning and accessing
that this can assist in understanding how & why groups and organisations are structured as well
as behave as they do. Moreover, according to opinion given by Menzies Lyth's model of social
defence system, it has been evaluated that of anxieties triggered by the nature of working tasks
are acknowledged and processed by defensive reactions develop and find their expression in
procedures and practices of an organisation. Meanwhile, it is observed that social support is
beneficial or autistic children in order to make them feel comfortable and remain stable to spend
their life in proper manner.
Autistic children requires to have favourable external environment with social support
which is helpful them to remain comfortable accordingly. It is necessary to apply more effective
as well as efficient policies by teaching assistants or boosting up comfort zone of autistic
children to maintain the health towards stability (Baines, Blatchford and Kutnick, 2016).
Meanwhile, lack of chronic self care create major problem on autistic kids then it is essential for
implement the same in their regular routine to maintain the appropriate wellness. In addition to
this, it consist the multi factor model of compassion fatigue that emphasise the costs of caring,
empathy and emotional investment in helping the suffering. However, this model recommended
that psychotherapist prefer limiting compassion stress, dealing with traumatic memories and
more effectively managing cases loads are efficient ways of avoiding compassion fatigue in
autistic kids. Moreover, it also provide suggestion hat chronic illness requires development
methods in order to enhancing satisfaction and learning to separate from the work emotionally
and physically in order to feel renewed to limit the compassion stress (Levy, 2014).
29

Fight or flight response can be described as response to an acute threat of survival that is
marked by physical changes including endocrine and nervous modifications which make a
human to react or retreat accordingly. It includes to make the response of an individual towards
threat or a danger. Meanwhile, it has been analysed that at the time of such reactions given by a
person, the hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol are secreted which are responsible for
increasing heart rate, slow digestion process and shunting blood flow to major muscle groups. It
will also facilitate changing various other autonomic nervous functions along with providing the
body burst energy as well as strength accordingly (Cowne, Frankl and Gerschel 2015). In
addition to this, it has been analysed that there are number of ways which are helpful to switch
off the fight or flight response such as exercise, feel they a person is secure and trigger the
relaxation response. Moreover, it also consist to learn to be present in moment & trapped in their
strengths and feelings, yoga as well as sharing with others, spend time with friends & most
important is to laugh.
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CONCLUSION
In the above dissertation it has been concluded as that teacher assistant helps those
children who are with special needs such as autistic children. Autism is disorder which affect
individual's behaviour and communication in children. The main consequences of autism is on
mental health of person. This research is essential to analyse the experience which is gained by
special education teachers in order to provide care and support to children who are with autism.
This also helps to give certain programs to help them with their issues. Their are some objectives
which has been included in this research to study about the topic in detail. Teacher assistant
plays major role in education of such children and their special needs as autistic children have
some special requirements which can not be fulfil by normal education teacher so special
education teachers are needed. Teacher assistants are very important to understand autistic
children and solve their problems so that they can live a normal life.
Special education teachers face several challenges when they deal with children who are
with autism and try to help them as per their requirements. Under literature review data and
information included which as been collected regarding this research. Some school policies are
made for these children to give them special requirements such as complaints procedure,
individualized education and race equality. Some methods which are used by special education
teachers to provide better knowledge and education so that they can learn some skills and gain
knowledge. Only special education teacher can handle children with autism because they have
organising skills, creativity, highly intuitive, calming nature, detailed oriented, adaptability, even
tempered and with good sense of humour. As autistic children need more love while they are
learning something it can impact on their learning skills and they will able to speak more. A
child who is with autism can show different behaviour like hyperactive or sometimes inattentive,
social isolation, difficulties to perform any task, emotional regulation difficulties and
communication problem. They do not get parents support which is very important for these
children, parents have to help children to get a better life by solving their socialisation problem.
Autism spectrum disorder is the condition in which brain development is affected and it impact
on the way of perceiving and socialisation such as communication.
Aggression is common problem with autistic children they become more aggressive with
small things. Research methodology involved procedure, epistemology, research method,
research design, research approach, research philosophy, data collection and ethical
31

consideration which are important to get good results. Analysis has been concluded about
struggle in autistic children & desensitization and communication. Every child who has autism
struggle with lots of problem such as social interaction, motor abnormalities and communication
skills. Autistic children are helped by special education teachers to get their needs which helps
them to progress with such issues. They help them to improve their communication skills by
giving some task like group discussion so that every person can speak and express themselves.
This is how special education teacher assistance help autistic children to get over with their
issues.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Considering above discussion, it has been analysed that teaching assistants plays an
important role in lives of autistic children. It is recommended that teaching assistants are
required to be hired in schools by evaluating desired skills and abilities of them so that kids with
special needs get benefited by their efforts. However, it involves that schools are required to
establish appropriate policies such as accessibility in school policy, charging & remissions,
complaints procedure, individualized education plan, negotiation or mediation, race equality
policy, special education needs strategy, positive behaviour support and safeguarding children
policy. Meanwhile, it has been suggested that efficient teaching assistants should be hired in
schools to fulfil special needs of autistic students as they plays several roles like teacher in self
controlled special education classroom in general education school, resource teacher in non
categorical & categorical resources room, conduct alternative assessments and maintain least
restrictive environment. These programs and activities are favourable to fulfil specific
requirements of such people properly.
In addition to this, it has been recommended that teaching assistants and schools
authorities should make sure that a favourable, stress free and peaceful environment. It is
necessary for autistic kids to remain comfortable and improve their condition by fulfilling their
special requirements. However, it is suggested that school authorities are required to make
effective policies to deal with number of challenges occur while providing support to kids with
specific needs. It involves several challenges such as hyperactive & inattentive behaviours, social
isolation & social impairment, difficulties in performing tasks & understanding, emotional
regulation difficulties, issues in allotting tasks, non- instructional responsibilities, lack of
support, handling death, handling problems of inclusive classroom, professional isolation, lack of
parents support and budget problem. Moreover, it has been recommended that it is necessary for
hiring authorities in school to ensure about abilities to teaching assistants for autistic children
which includes several essential capabilities like organising skills, creativity, highly intuitive,
calming nature, detailed- oriented, deadline- oriented, adaptability, even tempered, good sense of
humour and true love for children. Furthermore, it is suggested that medical facilities and other
clinical services are required to make available in order to complete special requirements of
autistic students respectively.
33

REFLECTION
While conducting research, I am learn many things which enhance my skills and
knowledge regarding specific topic in better manner. I am glad to conduct this investigation
because this will assist me in providing valuable information and knowledge about various
subjects. With the help of this, I have learned that there are different marketing strategies that can
help company in maintaining position of people in an organisation. At the time of conducting
this research, I faced different issues and problems which are develop and create confusion for
me such as same websites in which differ topic and contents are available. In addition to this, I
have learned that most of children who are with autism struggle with the communication. They
do not reply to several non verbal forms of the communication which many of individuals take
for granted such as facial expressions, eye contact and physical gestures. I am agree on that
research work assist me in changing my perception and view point regarding children issue and
problem. For this, I am able to know ho to explore and search various sites where all the topic
descriptions are available in proper manner. While conducting this investigation, researcher need
to select such locations and places where they are mainly focused on participants in safe and
secure manner that includes organisation, associations and institutions.
Along with this, there are various research methods are used such as qualitative and
quantitative. I have used qualitative research method which is used by me in gathering and
collecting appropriate data in proper way. As an investigator, I have use different techniques and
methods which are useful in completing particular research report. In this project, I have describe
about literature review which is used by me in analysing various writers and scholar person
opinions and thoughts regarding specific investigation. In addition to this, I have used two
methods of research such as primary and secondary tools which assist in gathering accurate data
and information. As a researcher, I am able to manage and maintain my business operations and
its major functions in order to reach with desired goals and targets. I have develop questionnaire
method which are helpful in analysing and identifying different respondents views and reviews
about the respective topic of research. In this, I need to know how to analyse the children issues
which are helpful for me in making appropriate report of investigation. It is useful for me in
order to reach with identifying major challenge which are faced by teacher assistant at the time
of dealing with special children's who have autism which are described in this report. There are
various issues and problems which are necessary for me in order to solve main problem related
34

to special kids. As an investigator, I require to focus on my abilities and skills which help me in
identifying issue of kids or children's. At the end, I concluded that report help me in analysing
and examining efficiency and how it is useful for an investigator in order to gain higher
knowledge and information in better manner.
35

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