Below are some basic strategies for working with special needs children (these also my assist with struggling children with no diagnosis):

Don’t worry if the child isn’t fully participating in your class.  These kids often soak up what is happening around them, even while they might be engaged in a completely separate activity.  As long as they are not violent or completely disruptive, encourage them to stay in the room and give them a separate activity when they seem to lose interest in the group.  Remember that our attitude is one of acceptance.  Trust that God will provide that child with the message He intends, even if, again, it appears as if he/she is not paying attention. 

Get on their eye level and request that they look at your face when you want to engage the child.  Give them time to respond.

Repeat basic concepts in simple terms, many times, if necessary.  Use few abstract or symbolic terms.  Give clear, simple directions.  Use visuals whenever possible.

Praise their efforts!  Being in your room might be a real challenge to that child.  They will try hard as long as they know their efforts are appreciated.

Don’t use negatives!  (I know, we all forget this at times.  Do the best that you can.)  Try to eliminate words like DON’T and STOP THAT.

Encourage the typical kids in the class to befriend and include the child with special needs.  After all, compassion for all of God’s kids is what we want them to learn.

Some kids just need to move!  Allow for that whenever it is not a disruption to others.

Some kids are sensitive to being “called on” for answers.  Encourage them to participate in other ways.

Some kids do BEST when being personally involved. Ask them to assist you with handing out papers, holding a poster, turn the pages of the book, etc.

Try not to leave it up to the buddy to teach the lesson to that child.  Most of our buddies are in their early teens and volunteer for this position because they have a heart for it.  Many have no prior experience with children who have special needs.  Our buddies want and need to know that their contribution to your class is valuable and appreciated.   KEEP THE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR BUDDY OPEN – FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE COMFORTABLE HANDLING THEMSELVES AND TALK TO THEM ABOUT WHAT YOUR EXPECTATIONS ARE – COME TO AN AGREEMENT FOR EVERYONE’S COMFORT LEVEL AND THE BENEFIT OF THE CHILD.

In the end, if you feel a child with special needs just can’t get through a class time with you, ask for assistance from a staff member.  We can either sit in and offer suggestions, or if we all agree, send for a parent.

In the event of volatile, very disruptive behavior that requires immediate attention: send the child from the room with another adult and the buddy. Call for the assistance of another adult, if necessary.  It is better to be too cautious than let the situation get out of hand.

Remember that all of these kids have “one thing” at least, that calms them.  It might be something they can hold in their hand, a stack of books to read in a quiet corner or just a piece of paper and a pencil to draw or write with.  Check with the parent on this because this, knowledge goes a long way in helping the child to cope.