Originally Posted by: AlyaMama 
Hey Sharon- I just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth about your student. First I think it wonderful that you're willing to give a good try with your new student. Consistency is key. A few things about the sticker rewards: First, the teacher should have a reward system in place for all the students. If she doesn't, then suggest one. If you make a sticker chart for just him, 2 things will happen- it will bring attention to the fact that he is different and it will make the other students resent him that he is getting something that they are not. So let's say you do the sticker reward system- make it a small goal, like a sticker if he follows all the rules in the morning then another sticker for the afternoon. Be specific of what the rules you want him to follow, maybe tape it to the desk so it's a visual reminder. Then after some time stretch out the time when he gets a sticker. Maybe he has to follow the rules for the whole day then get a sticker. Also, you can't tell him you won't do it every week, this isn't consistent. It has to be everyday, all school year. Maybe the prize at the end of the week could be a small thing. Once again it has to be for the whole class.
I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds, but the way you explained your idea it seemed you would be making it more obvious that he is different and that he'll get special treatment. Special needs kids want nothing more than to be "normal"
One last thing- I would make sure you know the district policy on restraining a child. Personally, if I found out my child was being restrained no matter how bad the temper tantrum, I'd be a little concerend how tight you are holding him. It might be exactly what he needs. I don't know.
Anyway, I hope I didn't upset you with my comments, I'm just looking out for your best interest.
Just wanted to let you know first of all that when I say I restrained him I was not squeezing him super hard, more like hugging him! The school does definitely use restraining for children though as we have had to do it with the autistic children in their class & there is actually a restraining workshop (which I should actually e-mail me supervisor & see if I can go to!) coming up.
I basically did it as I didn't want him to hurt himself or the kids around him, as he was kicking his legs around so wildly & trying to push the desk over onto himself (as he was under it).
They definitely do have a reward system in place for the whole class. They have fish, one for each student, that start off on 'Ready to Learn' then get moved up or down according to their behavior. If it is all the way at the bottom that is parent contact, step up from there is consequence (they miss recess), if they get all the way to the top, they choose a small prize from the prize box (that the teacher provides).
My student made it to the top today, so got a prize & was so excited!
I do feel he might need some long term reinforcer though, so wrote an e-mail to both my supervisor (who is also the school psychologist) & the lead teacher for the classroom. Letting them know what I was thinking of doing.
My supervisor thinks it is a great idea, as he said short term reinforcers mixed with long term reinforcers are good tu use. He suggested using smaller items like sticker sometimes or food or other rewards like activities.
I wouldn't do this sticker reward chart for all the class though. For one I could not afford it & secondly they do not need that reinforcement. Majority of them are really well behaved every day.
He already is singled out in a way as he has me for a one-on-one aide & the other kids see me. I sit next to his desk in a special chair. I have a notebook to note any good or bad behaviors in (that they sometimes see me writing in). They see when he has meltdowns in the classroom. So they already know he needs a bit more help.
However they also see when he is being good & comment that he is doing really well & behaving so nicely today etc!
It would be something between me & this student. I would mention it to him, to the side, so not all the other students are involved in the discussion. I would not want to make them jealous at all & I think he will love having the extra perks.
I do agree that I think it has to be consistent though. I wasn't planning to do it every week, but my supervisor also felt that he needs consistency.
Need to okay this all with his parents first though too, my supervisor said. I don't see a problem with them, but of course we need to make sure they are fine with it.
I give him lots of positive reinforcement throughout the day too with high fives & thumbs up to him.
I really appreciate the feedback though & do see where you are coming from!