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Question 88: I was hoping you could help
me with a concern we have regarding [our son] M. This weekend coming
up M has a public speaking presentation on a French poem to do. I
was wondering if I need to be concerned as to where M sits as he is
supposed to sit near the front with kids he doesn't know but will
be competing against. They have to sit through one grade of presentations
and then theirs. I don't know when his turn is or how many kids -
could be 20-30 per grade. He won't be able to move around or leave
until after each grade category is done. My concern is with his tics,
he is throwing his arms up in the air and shrugging shoulders and
dropping his head. The most common is his arms in the air. I'm worried
this could be a distraction to those up on stage (who are already
nervous). Should he sit somewhere besides at the front like at the
end of the row or near us if this is a possibility. M will be fatigued
from a late hockey game the night before and up early and nervous
about speaking.PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR TICS EH!!!!!!! I'm not looking
for special treatment nor do I want M singled out I just want everyone
to be comfortable, but I'm worrying I'm being too overprotective.
M is in gr.4 and having a blast and doing exceptionally well in a
big class of 44. J.S., MB, Canada.
Afternoon
J.S.:
My response
to you will be relatively short, since I think you have the situation
well in hand already J. Being realistic and logical about M's symptoms,
and wanting to be proactive to prevent any problems is neither being
overprotective, or currying special treatment. It is simple consideration
of others, and I don't see a problem with your thoughts or suggestions
at all. It is also a good opportunity ('educable moment') for M. to
see how self-advocacy is a necessary responsibility.
I would
tell what you told me (re: his tics, the exacerbating elements, your
concern about distracting other students) to the folks running the competition
ASAP, perhaps along with M. so that he can see a 'modeling' of how this
might look. Give these folks your suggestions about sitting away from
the front row and see if they have other, better suggestions. I'm sure
they'll be understanding and grateful you 'caught' a potential problem.
Bottom line, though, for them to not provide this accommodation, particularly
considering that you are doing your best to be fair to all in making
the request, would simply be discriminatory and I would not accept 'no'
for an answer. A child in a wheelchair would require special seating,
for example, and this situation is really not any different.
I'm thrilled
to hear how well M. is doing; congratulations to all on those successes!
