Sad... a powerful emotion!
My kid not working in class -- IS NOT SAD!
My kid avoiding her tasks -- IS NOT SAD!
My kid refusing to follow instructions given -- IS NOT SAD!
My kid not being able to complete specific math exercises -- IS NOT SAD!
My kid does not comply with the schedule... she wants to draw -- IS NOT SAD!
My kid does not follow a conversation with her peer or does not respond when asked a question -- IS NOT SAD!
My kid being out of control and not verbalizing her needs -- IS NOT SAD!
My kid making poor choices when other kids bother her (or supposedly do so) -- IS NOT SAD!
To all individuals working with our kids...
Sad is the fact some adults near my kid during these instances make the choice to link school work and behaviors to the mighty emotion of sadness. I must ask: In which academic or scientific research does it state using the idea of sadness to define what my child does or does not do in an academic setting is a positive reinforcer?
Sadness is a powerful emotion, representing a myriad of reactions and thoughts; particularly to individuals in the spectrum. Every parent is sad after receiving the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for his/her child. This is a valid reaction and needed.
Our kids' self-esteem, sense of wholeness, being part of this universe is crumbled to pieces every time they hear how sad it is they can't perform like other kids may. According to many, to face academic, social and behavior challenges it is sad.
I reject that premise. The concept of sadness in the school setting must be erradicated from the world of special needs. Our kids' challenges in an academic setting are not solved, handled or faced with emotions. Particularly when those emotions are used to minimize their actual needs.
Parent... do not forget our kids' needs are improved, trained, guided and empowered with science based methods after appropriate evaluations by licensed professionals are completed.
Whoever dares to tell you how sad it is your kid could not complete homework or refused to do work... send them to me, I'll remind them all the reasons they could be sad about and your kid and his/her needs is not one of them.
Definition of SAD
1
a : affected with or expressive of grief or unhappiness : downcast
b (1) : causing or associated with grief or unhappiness : depressing <sad news> (2) : regrettable, deplorable <a sad relaxation of morals — C. W. Cunnington>
c : of little worth
Examples of SAD
He's feeling sad because his pet died.
People were sad that he was leaving.
The experience left her sadder but wiser.
Have you heard the sad news about his wife's illness?
It'll be a sad day when you leave us.
a movie with a sad ending
He lived a sad life.
The sad fact of the matter is that they are right.
The new version is a sad imitation of the original movie.
We needed more money but, sad to say, there wasn't any.
BTW -- sad faces are forbidden in school work going back home!!!!
