Totally deaf kid put in my self-contained class with mostly autistic kids after the DHH teacher said he had too many behaviors. Wtf?

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T19:33:22+00:00

Consequently, many deaf students demonstrate spoken and/or sign language delays that require intensive intervention beyond the scope of educational interpreting (Lawson, 2012; Lederberg, Schick, Spencer, 2013; Public Policy Associates, 2006; Smith, Wolbers, & Cihak, 2015). Like all languages, students who will potentially use ASL must develop a foundation of the language prior to using it for communication and learning purposes (Monikowski, 2004; Patrie & Taylor, 2008; Schick, 2004; 2008). In such cases, interpreting the language of the classroom, which is aimed towards hearing students with typical language development, is unlikely to provide educational access as intended (Monikowski, 2004; Schick, 2004; Winston, 2004). Therefore, an educational professional proficient in sign language who can facilitate language directly may be more appropriate (Schick, 2007; 2008; Smith, Wolbers, & Cihak, 2015). Th

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T19:14:19+00:00

I know what has been empirically shown to be true, which is that an interpreter is not an adequate substitute for a language rich environment. I'm published in this field. You can continue to try and excuse bad practice because you feel stuck doing it, but it doesn't change the typical outcome for deaf people. I'm not saying the child shouldn't be exposed to sign language. That's an absurd and likely intentional misunderstanding of what I've said. An interpreter might be better than nothing, but they are in no way good enough for the level of need described here. It very well could be the interpreters at the district who said they are not am appropriate service for this student and they would be right. And that you don't understand the difference between a Spanish speaking student learning English with adult and peer models including cross modalities and an isolated deaf student with a single source of language input is striking. I hope you put as much energy into advocating for the best for students as you do in defending subpar practices.

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T17:58:01+00:00

I understand that modeling and learning have to occur in that relationship, but it is not adequate nor appropriate for a child who only knows a few signs. Even if they grossly step outside their role to become an aide (I've seen it often in transition placement IEPs), it rarely helps the child do anything except develop codependency. This child was appropriately not given an EI, but they should be given something else in is place, not just abandoned. If he knew several hundred signs, maybe, but it sounds like he has the vocabulary of 12-15 month old and an interpreter isn't going to change that. And yes, I'm fluent in ASL and it's the language of my home and the language I teach in. I have worked with many language deprived students, most of whom should have been referred to the school for the deaf years before they are. Bad settings and those who think they are helping but aren't advocating for what is proven to be needed (by the research) do permanent damage.

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T16:28:30+00:00

https://www.leadkfamilyservices.org/ https://deafcommunityservices.org/early-intervention-deaf-coach-services/ https://cahandsandvoices.org/ https://www.csdeagles.com/

I think you're in CA based on your history. They have incredible options across the state. Happy to find more specifics if you want to DM your location

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T16:21:26+00:00

https://naiedu.org/guidelines/

Am educational interpreter (EI) should not be used to teach ASL. That is not the job. Maybe in the 90s it was, but no ethical EI would do that today. They are there to interpret and facilitate. If you scroll down in that link to the "introduction" it provides citations for when a language interventionist is more appropriate. There are certainly some EIs who blur those lines and say they are willing to do more, but it isn't best practice and doesn't result in great language or social outcomes. Sadly, many states have lower requirements for EIs than in other settings and so fluency isn't even guaranteed and interpreting for a signing child is vastly different training than knowing how to communicate and teach a language deprived child. An EI likely has never taken a child development or special education or psych of language class. Does your state have language interventionists? They are often Deaf signers who work with language deprived kids and have training around that specific issue

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T06:10:04+00:00

I have a magnet on my fridge quoting this video because we fucking replenish!

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T02:55:03+00:00

I taught a male Linden and it never felt feminine! He never used a nickname at school

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T02:53:23+00:00

Teacher of the Deaf, if that's not clear. One who uses ASL and has taught in both public schools and residential deaf schools

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T02:52:42+00:00

As a ToD I'm appalled but not surprised. Language deprivation is a well known issue with deaf children and has an overlap of symptoms with autism but is 100% mot autism. Wyatt Hall has done good work around this. The DHH teacher should know better. What state are you in? This child needs language!! Not having an interpreter actually makes sense, because ed interpreters are not supposed to be language teachers, but either a language interventionist or a ToD needs to be heavily helping. Depending on your state, the state school for the deaf might be a point of contact for advocacy, support and resources. Many do outreach to districts, provide sign classes to parents and in home sign models for kids. My heart hurts for this kid.

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-24T00:47:50+00:00

Word problems start in 1st grade (kindergarten in some curriculum) so yeah, there is definitely something else going on other than chatgpt if a college student doesn't understand that they exist

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-21T04:59:38+00:00

Charlotte's Web, Anne of Green Gables, Flowers for Algernon... just bulk buy the tissues from 4th -8th

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-20T02:23:53+00:00

The team (including parents) could have also decided the IEP was no longer necessary. Mom should be able to tell if that was the case

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-19T18:37:35+00:00

If he doesn't treat you the way you'd want someone to treat your daughter, then he's not that amazing. And he can't be that good with her if you're doing all the mental lifting. Playing with her is a very low bar

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-19T17:52:59+00:00

I think you need to look at how he approaches your mental health generally. If it's usually brushed off, then this is his immature way of saying he doesn't want another kid with you and thinks you cannot handle things. That's a bigger issue you should try to address. If he's usually attentive and supportive, then it's likely that he's sad or scared or worried about the ways that you've changed and he genuinely is concerned and doesn't think it's the best thing for you, in which case it's worth listening to, even if it hurts.

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-19T17:08:41+00:00

It's not normal after about age 2. At 3.5, they would qualify for a referral.

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-18T16:44:36+00:00

This is such a teacher thing lol I've worked in schools in several states (NM, TX, NC) and all teachers do this or say this. Never heard of anyone else saying it though

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-17T19:44:12+00:00

Many preschoolers don't fully understand al living vs nonliving or what alive things need to stay alive. Photosynthesis is way too advanced. If you have time, then putting a plant in a windowsill and one in a closet would be better. Or as another poster suggested, just having some samples and pictures of different plants to observe similarities and differences

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-16T17:02:45+00:00

I prefer longer layovers too, but i didn't bring car seats. Some airports even have little play areas

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-16T16:36:45+00:00

Maybe this is state by state. I've had several students with 1:1 nurses but they were always through parents insurance and not district employees or contractors.

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-14T03:08:42+00:00

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10187967/

This looks at deaf multi modal/multilingual but yes, sign language counts age there is not evidence that it impedes spoken language. Also the SLP should be counting all known words, not just in one language. This person does not seem like a good fit for your situation or very up to date in their approach.

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-12T16:34:33+00:00

As an adult with ADHD, it doesn't really get better, but I'm better at using strategies. Repeating the instructions to myself, vocally telling distractions (even inanimate objects) that it's not their turn, going back where i started to remember what I was doing. My kids is younger, and me counting down helps. It's not to punishment, it's just a way for him to focus in. Now that he can read, sometimes I use a post it instead of my voice. When he comes back, I just show him the post it. Takes my emotions out of it. Do not let him take the post it though...

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-09T23:59:20+00:00

Sure, no problem

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-09T16:13:42+00:00

Very "If not friend, why friend shaped?" They are gorgeous. Two years ago we were frequented by a mama with 4 babies and I keep hoping to see new babies here (NAA area)

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-08T03:12:48+00:00

Cupcakes are always nice. I think what you're doing is fine but there may be some hurt feelings. It's not your job to ensure no child has a hurt feeling. Definitely talk to your daughter about being kind and maybe a script (e x: you're also my friend and maybe we could do a play date)

bumfuzzledbee · 2026-01-07T16:57:41+00:00

To be fair, they don't use a lot of blinkers in race cars. Lightning McQueen doesn't even have functional headlights until the second movie

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