Abstract
This Quick Start Communication Guide for New Teachers has been created for new teachers of preschool children impacted by autism. It is designed to assist special day class preschool teachers in communicating effectively with new parents in the initial parent - teacher conference, which usually occurs after the first Individualized Educational Plan meeting. This timely and less formal conference is an opportunity for the new teacher to get to know the family, and begin to develop a positive rapport with them. Discussion with the family will involve the unique ways autism may affect their child; and how their child's learning differences may be impacting their home life, and their child's daily schedule and routine at school. This tool has the potential to open up a partnership between the school, teacher, and parents on behalf of the child, which is in the best interest of the child and can lead to positive results for the teacher, parents, and child in the coming year. When this collaboration is effective, the result can be a minimizing of communication problems with families based on inaccurate perceptions or expectations by both teachers and parents. Additionally, intervening in this way may prevent conflicts that are inadvertently created based on lack information, which may lead to possible legal entanglements for the schools and families involved with this lead to possible legal entanglements for the schools and families involved with this unique population of children. There are various types of training for new teachers including university programs, seminars, conferences, and on-the-job training. However, very little has been addressed in research literature in regards to how to set up an initial meeting with the family that is productive for the student, teacher and parents. However, evidence-based research does bear out the facts that parents respond more favorably to family friendly language which "weeds out" most of the technical language about autism, and where teachers aim discussion towards immediate concerns the family is having. Families with a preschooler newly diagnosed with autism may possibly feel overwhelmed and confused about the best course of action to help their child. They often have concerns about confidentiality within the school, and when to tell other family members and friends about the diagnosis. The venue of the first teacher - parent conference is a golden opportunity for a professional with specific goals to" step in" with interventions that are unique to each particular family. Research in this area strongly suggests the importance for the new teacher to be as precise as possible in communicating to the school can be for the student and family in the initial stages of the relationship with the family. This will also be a critical time, at the start of new school year, to begin an effective home program with components that include some concepts regarding the unique characteristics of autism, and how these effect the child's language acquisition, general learning, and social abilities. New teacher of preschoolers with autism places him
or herself to be in a position to assist parents in making informed choices about their child's future, and hopefully create new paradigm of hope for these families impacted by autism.