Two Sided Coin

It has now been seven months since my entry into Autism Belize, Let’s Talk.  I completed the registration form on January 5, 2021, and in the latter part of the month attended my first Parent/Teacher training and days later the first Parent Support meeting for the year.  My experience so far has been like an exciting roller coaster ride filled with anticipation, fear, and thrills as fellow riders rally with encouragement before the dip and rush of every special moment.   

I am a unique passenger on this ride, as I am both mom to a child with a special need, as well as a teacher.  So, like a spinning coin, I have the versatility to choose which I want to be when I sign up for training sessions.  Training sessions that do not apply to me as a mom apply to me as a teacher and vice versa.  These training sessions are invaluable and very interactive. There are many opportunities to engage in hands-on activities and methods that I practice at home and in the school setting.

A busy 7 months

What an experience for me! I can’t believe it has only been 7 months.  Thus far, my involvement with Autism Belize has been enriched through the following opportunities:

•  7 monthly Parent Support meetings
• Committee member for “Light It Up Blue, Belize” Campaign
• “Walk the Walk 4 Autism”
• Special Needs Yoga Session for Kids
• Mass of Acceptance at St. Martin De Porres Parish
• Celebrate Differences Dance Class
• Facebook Live Forums
• Author of 4 blogs contributed to “A Parent’s Perspective” 

Parent & Teacher Training Sessions:

• Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders
• Use of Medication in Children with ASD
• Identifying Needs, Setting Goals & Making Accommodations
• Anxiety and Depression in Children & Adolescent with ASD 
• The IEP Process from Start to Finish
• Building Engagement and Language in School Age Children
• Behavior-Analytic Play Based Teaching Tips
• The Inspiration Center- Occupational Therapy
• Addressing Challenging Behaviors
• Muscles, Movements & Messes: Using Sensory Strategies In Occupational Therapy
• Lunch & Learn: Following Instructions
• Paraprofessional Certification Course

The most exciting aspect to date has been the opportunity to be trained and certified as a facilitator for Autism Belize.  This has allowed me to meet new colleagues, who all have an interest in providing interventions and support for our children and persons with special needs.  

Culminating today August 28th, my fellow facilitators and I have spent the last four Saturdays, training mothers, doctors, social workers, teachers, high schoolers and others who are interested in becoming Paraprofessionals. We have introduced new terminologies and practices that were unfamiliar prior to this training.  The myriad of discussions ranged from understanding Autism and other Developmental Disabilities, Evidence Based Practices, Teaching Strategies and Assessment, Accommodations and Modifications, Applied Behavioral Theories, Support for Students and Families, to Diversity and Inclusion in our schools and society.

ParaPro Certification Training Course

Our first cohort of paraprofessionals will become the connection between schools, homes, and the communities.  They will strive to ensure that our children are not neglected, forgotten, allowed to slip through the cracks or even fall out of the system.   Most importantly they will ensure that our students are given equal access to high quality education while acquiring life skills that will enable them to be productive citizens in our jewel, Belize!

There are so many roles of a paraprofessional; their capacity does not only extend to academics and the classroom but also to the social dynamics of community and family life.  Imagine how families who have children or adults with special needs can benefit from having a paraprofessional? 

Pioneers

We are now becoming pioneers in a new field of opportunities.  My colleagues and I are enthusiastically awaiting the opportunity to travel to the districts in order to conduct training sessions countrywide and encourage others to embark on this experience.  

This opportunity to be a part of Autism Belize definitely mirrors the spinning coin because no matter which side the coin flips- the experience gained, skills acquired, friendships formed and knowledge that will be transferred into application will always be treasured!