Analysis of Teacher Assistant Roles in Special Education for Autism

This report delves into the experiences of teacher assistants in special education schools, specifically examining their roles and challenges when working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research aims to identify the experiences of teacher assistants, analyze their roles, determine their importance for children with severe autism, and ascertain the challenges they face. The introduction provides an overview of the research, background, significance, research aim, objectives, and questions. The literature review explores school policies, the role and importance of teacher assistants, major challenges faced, and details on Autism Spectrum Disorder and aggression. The methodology outlines the procedure, epistemology, research method, design, approach, philosophy, data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations. The analysis and discussion section focuses on the sense of struggle in autistic children concerning communication and desensitization. The report concludes with recommendations and a reflection on the findings. The report highlights the importance of teacher assistants in creating a supportive environment for autistic students and addresses the complexities involved in providing effective education and care.

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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