An open Letter To The Teacher From a child With Autism

13 year old child Louie , a child with autism, has decided to write an open letter to a teacher, He didn't know where to start, so his mother asked him what he likes and does not like about school. I his mother asked him what a teacher should and should not do. And his mother asked him how he feels in school and what type of help he needs. In the communication between home and school, the students voice is sometimes lost. But this is the most important voice . Louie was not always able to Express his thoughts orally or on paper. That way I feel honored to hear his voice now. 

Dear Teacher 

Thankyou for helping me learn. I love to go to school. When I go to school, I notice that you give me a smile, You say, Hello , in a gentle voice . That makes me feel happy.  I need help focusing in class. My brain sometimes flops. Sometimes I feel tired and I don't know why. Sometimes I get distracted when people move around. Lights and noises sometimes distract me. I like it when you turn off the lights. You should use a gentle voice . I work a lot. I feel like I am working all the time. Hard work makes me feel tired. I need a break to walk around.  You should always tell the truth.. one time I had a Teacher who liked to say, "Good job " . I tested her . I gave her wrong answer. She kept saying. "Good job ." She was not telling the truth. When I make a mistake now, you always say, You have to try again. That is telling the truth .I like it when you tell the truth. 

I don't like missing class to go to social skills or speech . I like my regular schedule. I want to be with the other students in my class. I want to learn with the Teacher.  

I like Lunch club. Lunch club is part of my schedule. I do not have to miss class To go to Lunch club. 

I feel confused when I have to talk to other students.  I like to be around other students . But I don't know what to say . 

Words can hurt me sometimes. When I was in preschool , I asked my teacher where Mom was .The Teacher said. Your mother is gone .I felt scared. I like it when you tell me , I like to work with you. I like it when you look in my class. I like it when you answer my question very carefully. 

I like to try new things at school. I need someone to help me learn how to try. After I learn how , I can do it on my own. That means you are a good teacher 

Your Friend 

Louie