What every Resource Officer needs to know about students with disabilities

1. What every Resource Officer needs to know about students with disabilities

2. Emotionally Disturbed Conduct disordered Mood disordered Oppositional/defiant Mental illness Post traumatic stress disordered Obsessive/compulsive Intermittent explosive disorder

3. Characterized by… Poor social skills Poor anger management Low frustration tolerance Unpredictability Inability to process own emotions Need for attention and/or control Inability to consider consequences

4. Helpful Tips Avoid power struggles Avoid preaching, lecturing or asking “why” Allow “quiet time” to de-escalate Let them know that you are there to help Suggest compromises or alternatives Call parent or someone on staff who has a rapport.

5. Specific Learning Disabled Discrepancy between ability and performance in reading, writing or math Inconsistent behaviors Often has expressive or receptive processing issues. Low tolerance for frustration Poor social skills Task avoidance to “save face”.

6. Students with Autism Speak in short phrases Avoid slang – “Are you pulling my leg?” Allow “wait time” for processing Maintain personal space May respond to visual prompts or written directions Talk calmly and softly Try not to interpret the student’s failure to respond as a lack of cooperation or reason for increased force

7. Students with Autism If possible, go to a quieter place – remove the audience/or if possible, the student from the audience Use the Walkie Talkie and have the office send for the student’s teacher Ask to see the student’s schedule and redirect them to where they need to be Model calming behaviors, slow breathing, hands down Always have hands visible to student and maintain neutral stance If a crisis plan is developed for the student, implement

8. Other Health Impaired Most commonly have Attention Deficit / Hyperactive Disorder Can have a combination of more than one disability Characterized by inability to remain focused, need to move, inability to “think things through”

9. Be aware of your approach… Watch your facial expression Watch your tone of voice Watch your body language Respect the student’s personal space Use a respectful stance

11. Don’t Permit a Student to Seduce you into Counter Aggression

12. Manage your own counter-aggressive feelings…

13. Things that you should know… Students generally have low self esteem. They want to be successful but lack the skills that will enable them to experience success. Students have a hard time with inconsistency and do not adapt well to change. Students are generally distrustful…. establishing rapport is key