Does anyone have advice on working with cadets that have autism, ADHD, or aspergers syndrome?
well first off before learning about others experiences, I'd first learn that aspergers is a form of autism. ;D
I've got a little experience in this, at least on the ADHD side. Find out where the cadet's problems are and find away around them. For example if they don't test well when reading the test have somene read the test to them. And if it's the way they learn find away to help them learn if they learn better with hands on find ways you can teach using a good hands on model. Plus everyone can have fun working with their hands too.
Quotebefore learning about others experiences, I'd first learn that aspergers is a form of autism
+1 and I would also spend some time looking into ADHD as well.
Specifically what advice are you looking for? Someone who has cadets in their unit, someone who has experience with them at activities or problems with? I have had some very limited (when I say limited I mean week long or weekend long) experience working with a very "few" cadets and some kids (not CAP cadets) who have had these issues, ADHD and Aspergers. But before I would comment I would want to know specifically what your after.............this can be a difficult or tricky subject depending upon the specific situation.
Working with special needs cadets can be a challange. But there are lots of places locally to go for help. Start with their family and then go see the same counselor/doctor/teacher that they see.
Beyond that I am just an experinced amature and I don't know if any of my experinces and limited training can help you.
Good Luck
As a parent of a child with Autism.... Graduating from High School (with honors) ;D this sunday (mid year graduation) I can say that they can be more focused than most of the normal cadets. My son excelled in NJROTC, he wasn't interested in CAP. Cadets with Autism/ADHD/ADD or any of the special needs can find the Cadet Program very helpful, but parental involvement is key along with communication with the parents and the cadet. The organized nature of the cadet program is sometimes able to bring out the strenghts of these cadets.
ADHD and Autism come in many forms and effect people differently. I'm going to share some advice that my AFROTC Det. Commander shared with me (paraphrasing). "Give your subordinates whatever they need to succeed. In some cases, that means leaving them alone and letting them do what they do best. In other cases, you may have to hold their hand every step of the way."
This was part of a class he was giving on working with people. We all have special needs. We all need certain things to succeed regardless of what mental or physical condition we may or may not have. The point is that you should treat them no differently than your other cadets. Tell them (and their parents) what you expect from them and hold them to the standards. You as the officer/leader should know what your cadets are and are not capable of. If you notice that your cadet is struggling in an area, help them. Tell them what they are doing wrong and offer solutions to the problem. If you notice that your cadet is excelling in another area, exploit it. Put them in a position where they can use their skills best. When they perform well, compliment and reward them. When they do something wrong, correct them. That's you job as a leader and a CAP officer.
Good luck. Let us know if you need any specific help.
Quote from: alwaysreadyneverhere on January 24, 2009, 06:01:31 PM
Put them in a position where they can use their skills best. When they perform well, compliment and reward them. When they do something wrong, correct them. That's you job as a leader and a CAP officer.
Well said, AlwaysReady...I like your attitude of including everyone on the "team" and acknowledging them as a person rather than focusing on the disorder. Two Thumbs Up!
Other ADHD Tips from the Field -
When someone with ADHD makes a mistake, avoid saying that ADHD is the reason for their blunder especially with others around; no excuses period. I've seen a few publicly disclose ADHD as an excuse and that only makes the situation worse by alienating them from the rest. It's not common in CAP but it does happen like in any large organization.
Most people are ignorant about ADHD and many believe it is an excuse for bad behavior, ADHD is a proven medical disorder not a fabrication. And most people do not have ADHD and are often misdiagnosed because of hyperactivity. Simply put, ADHD is a chemical imbalance in the brain. ADHD people are different, sensitive, action-oriented, very creative, difficult with focusing, hard time finishing projects on time and more aware to voices, surroundings than most people realize, especially to criticism. I have noticed on missions, that members with ADHD have a keen sense of hearing/seeing important SAR clues that are essential to the mission that most would walk by and miss it, best to utilize their gifts, talents and provide them a genuine sense of belonging to the team. ADHD kids are also very blunt and say things without thinking, so keep that in mind. When the medicine wears off, they get very irritable, restless, tired and can be brutally honest. Don't take their comments personally unless it becomes a consistent or disturbing problem.
Another tip, privately offer ADHD members, the option of a private room to take tests with an extended amount of time & breaks. ADHD are easily distracted and will be looking around the room and may get accused of cheating. Or they waste time distracted with someone's foot shaking or another tapping their pen that they lose concentration to finish the test and end up failing it as a result. Schedule a quiet time free of distractions for them to take the test so that other members aren't aware of it too. It is best to keep their situation in private unless they choose to disclose it publicly. They are also entitled by law, private notetakers for classes but I don't believe CAP would need to go that far but depends on situation. And most ADHD do badly on multiple choice tests. Alternative testing methods work best with ADHD such as a fill in the blank/essay type, verbal type or have them demonstrate hands-on that they know the material. However, it is very important to have Wing involved with this situation to make sure the testing is not questioned, compromised or violated. Also, ADHD rights are protected under the American Disabilities Act with specific guidelines, legalities & laws. It would be beneficial if National CAP published a guide or pamphlet in regard to disabilities & member rights. Best for you or anyone in CAP to read & learn about ADHD, Autism, the Disability Laws, etc beforehand. If you need any current info, resources, tips, email me anytime...
Quote from: FlexCoder on January 25, 2009, 05:28:24 AM
Another tip, privately offer ADHD members, the option of a private room to take tests with an extended amount of time & breaks.
I find this problematic, to say the least, especially after you said, "I've seen a few publicly disclose ADHD as an excuse... "
My brother is severely autistic among other things, and all of our research and discussions with other families has shown that routine is the name of the game.
Chances are any autistic cadet will be high functioning and able to handle social environments, but as I mentioned the more structure you can provide them the easier they will integrate.
Making special arrangements isn't always necessary, but if it is you can't let it be a burden to you. Think positive, reward success, correct issues and move on.
You will most likely need a family member to come to meetings for a while until you establish a trust relationship, and can provide a level of comfort. But eventually it will become vital to success that the parents go away
Quote from: FlexCoder on January 25, 2009, 05:28:24 AM
Most people are ignorant about ADHD and many believe it is an excuse for bad behavior, ADHD is a proven medical disorder not a fabrication.
While this is not the forum to debate the subject, it needs to be sad that there is considerable amount of controversy in the medical, psychiatric, and teaching community regarding ADHD, up to and including whether it is really a medical condition in an of itself, and especially as to whether the growing number of children diagnosed is due to an increase in the condition, or an increase in parents looking for easy answers to behavior problems, coupled with aggressive marketing by drug companies.
I offer this page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_controversies by no means as a definitive text on the subject, but as a good starting point to considering the controversies regarding the condition, diagnoses, and related issues.
Quote from: Eclipse on January 26, 2009, 05:42:27 AM
Quote from: FlexCoder on January 25, 2009, 05:28:24 AM
Most people are ignorant about ADHD and many believe it is an excuse for bad behavior, ADHD is a proven medical disorder not a fabrication.
While this is not the forum to debate the subject, it needs to be said that there is considerable amount of controversy in the medical, psychiatric, and teaching community regarding ADHD, up to and including whether it is really a medical condition in an of itself, and especially as to whether the growing number of children diagnosed is due to an increase in the condition, or an increase in parents looking for easy answers to behavior problems, coupled with aggressive marketing by drug companies.
The debate isn't about ADHD alone but ADHD in CAP. ADHD is an actual medical condition despite what you have watched on TV. It is true that ADHD has been overdiagnosed & the drug companies have taken advantage which is unfortunate but that doesn't mean it is false. I have worked with a lot of cadets/seniors with ADHD and once you have had first hand experience, you will realize that it isn't something made up. Whether you believe in ADHD or not, whatever you do don't tell a cadet that you think ADHD is questionable because it will hurt him or her more than you will ever know.
Quote from: FlexCoder on January 26, 2009, 06:56:01 AM
The debate isn't about ADHD alone but ADHD in CAP. ADHD is an actual medical condition despite what you have watched on TV. It is true that ADHD has been overdiagnosed & the drug companies have taken advantage which is unfortunate but that doesn't mean it is false. I have worked with a lot of cadets/seniors with ADHD and once you have had first hand experience, you will realize that it isn't something made up. Whether you believe in ADHD or not, whatever you do don't tell a cadet that you think ADHD is questionable because it will hurt him or her more than you will ever know.
What you're saying is,
you believe it is an actual medical condition. The scientific community, however, is far from convinced of that fact.
With that in mind, it becomes a question of how much accomodation to give to someone who claims to have said condition.
Quote from: Rotorhead on January 26, 2009, 07:01:45 AM
Quote from: FlexCoder on January 26, 2009, 06:56:01 AM
The debate isn't about ADHD alone but ADHD in CAP. ADHD is an actual medical condition despite what you have watched on TV. It is true that ADHD has been overdiagnosed & the drug companies have taken advantage which is unfortunate but that doesn't mean it is false. I have worked with a lot of cadets/seniors with ADHD and once you have had first hand experience, you will realize that it isn't something made up. Whether you believe in ADHD or not, whatever you do don't tell a cadet that you think ADHD is questionable because it will hurt him or her more than you will ever know.
What you're saying is, you believe it is an actual medical condition. The scientific community, however, is far from convinced of that fact.
With that in mind, it becomes a question of how much accomodation to give to someone who claims to have said condition.
I am referring to the psychology community not scientific theories nor anyone's opinion. It's unfortunate that you are ignorant of mental disorders.
Well if its not a condition then why does the government pay some social security disability benefits? I mean they dont pay it if your foot itches lol.
I do also agree 100% that some doctors and school personnel jump the gun sometimes in saying a student or adult is ADHD. But yes it is a condition. Also I feel proud for the student and cadets that are ADHD because depending on the person and the condition they may have to work very hard.
Dont look down on them if they do have such a condition. Because as I said above I feel proud that they are doing the cadet program and are working hard at it. If You have any doubts about it ask your self the question would the other cadets stay in the program if they had ADHD. Now im not saying they would. But We can suspect some of them wouldnt. Persons with ADHD just have to work around the condition and sometimes work harder. They are good in my book.
Quote from: FlexCoder on January 26, 2009, 09:11:03 AM
Quote from: Rotorhead on January 26, 2009, 07:01:45 AM
Quote from: FlexCoder on January 26, 2009, 06:56:01 AM
The debate isn't about ADHD alone but ADHD in CAP. ADHD is an actual medical condition despite what you have watched on TV. It is true that ADHD has been overdiagnosed & the drug companies have taken advantage which is unfortunate but that doesn't mean it is false. I have worked with a lot of cadets/seniors with ADHD and once you have had first hand experience, you will realize that it isn't something made up. Whether you believe in ADHD or not, whatever you do don't tell a cadet that you think ADHD is questionable because it will hurt him or her more than you will ever know.
What you're saying is, you believe it is an actual medical condition. The scientific community, however, is far from convinced of that fact.
With that in mind, it becomes a question of how much accomodation to give to someone who claims to have said condition.
I am referring to the psychology community not scientific theories nor anyone's opinion. It's unfortunate that you are ignorant of mental disorders.
All I am saying is, some medical professionals believe firmly that there is such a thing as ADHD.
Others do not.
Calling me ignorant does not change that simple reality.
I had a rather high-functioning young man with Aspergers in my unit a few years ago. He excelled at CAP (and was often a bit of a challenge to manage as a commander) for a number of reasons. As stated, structure is key. Folks with ASDs often don't do so well with social cues and social appropriateness, and yet here's CAP, a paramilitary organization, with a nice structured set of rules for social interaction between members. Don't know how to act? Look at the guy's shoulder and you have a jumping off point.
This young man buried himself into the CAPP 151, for example, and while he seemed to get 90% of it, and applied it, there were other times where things were not quite so clear-cut and he veered off into the land of "inappropriate social interactions" (ie. starting conversations about things that were unrelated to what we were doing, etc)
That said, my 10 year old daughter has Autism, and I'm about 99% sure that she won't be a cadet. She lacks self control and self-regulation, and unless there is some kind of a massive change in her in the next 24-48 months, well, you get the picture. Standing in formation is out, as is marching, saluting and Aerospace...
Not an expert, but I'm a psych major with a strong interest in abnormal psychology and have some personal experience with most of the disorders mentioned. So I'll contribute what I can.
First off, I have not met or worked with many cadet-aged people who have autism (or Asperger's, lumped in there) who seemed to have any interest in anything like CAP. This sort of follows the definition of the disorder; difficult social interaction leads to less desire for social interaction. So what you find is oftentimes that it is the PARENTS who push these kids into CAP in the attempt to socially integrate them.
Sometimes, this can be successful. I've worked with someone with Asperger's who ended up quite decorated in CAP (and a bit of a reg nerd) because, after entering CAP, he learned to function better in society than if left up to his own devices. As NIN mentioned, CAP is a militaristic organization, and the structure and rules that dictate behavior and action are pretty cut-and-dry. That structure tends to help those with Asperger's and higher functioning autism.
But it is important to keep in mind that it is likely only a small percent more of those with higher-functioning autism are going to adhere to CAP than would any other cadet who's been forced into CAP. Cadets have to WANT to be cadets in order to succeed, whether that's as a mentally healthy cadet, a cadet with autism, a cadet in a wheelchair, or whatever. It's always going to be about the motivation, and if the kid doesn't WANT to join CAP, whether that's due to the social alienation caused by the autism or due to just plain disinterest, then there really isn't much we can do about it. We should give every cadet a chance, but there comes a time when a commander may think about sitting down with the parents and discussing what CAP is and is not capable of doing. We are not a rehabilitation center, and we cannot simply take an autistic cadet who doesn't want to be a member and turn him or her into a sterling example of mental health. It just isn't going to happen.
As far as the ADD/ADHD... eh. ADD/ADHD, to my knowledge, is never a "severe" disorder. Generally if the symptoms become actually debilitating, it's called Mania or Bipolar disorder. If they aren't, it's called ADD/ADHD. And almost everyone who is diagnosed with this disorder is on Ritalin, Focalin, or something of the like to help control it.
So really whether or not it is an actually disorder is completely irrelevant as far as we deal with them. If they have it, they should have their medication. If they don't have the disorder or the medication for the disorder, then you treat that cadet the same way you would treat ANY cadet who's lagging. I mean, how many scenarios do we actually have?
A) Cadet has ADD/ADHD with medication: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
B) Cadet has ADD/ADHD without medication: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
C) Cadet is handicapped: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
D) Cadet has weight problems: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
E) Cadet has a difficult accent: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
F) Cadet is dumb as dirt: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
G) Cadet is completely normal and capable: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
I mean, it's the same plan any way you go. All cadets are going to have individual training needs, no matter what disorder they have (or do not have). You can take two perfectly healthy cadets, and one's going to need more motivation than they other, or one is going to need instructions written down while the other is a verbal learner. The ADD, ADHD, autism, Asperger's, or whatever is just another factor that we as leaders learn to accommodate and overcome.
Don't forget the biggest mistake that ALL leaders make at one point when dealing with "problem cadets", regardless of the "problem." NO ONE outside of a clinical, psychologically trained person is trained to handle any sort of problem like this alone, and few psychiatrists or psychologists I know would try to help a patient without familial or societal interaction. Overcoming these problems is a TEAM effort, and this team needs to involve everyone. It needs to involve the commander, the parents, the team, the supporting staff members, and, crucially, the CADET INVOLVED. If you can't get the cadet on your team, then it's going to be a long, painful journey, likely to nowhere.
YMMV
Quote from: Nathan on January 27, 2009, 07:56:59 PM
Not an expert, but I'm a psych major with a strong interest in abnormal psychology and have some personal experience with most of the disorders mentioned. So I'll contribute what I can.
First off, I have not met or worked with many cadet-aged people who have autism (or Asperger's, lumped in there) who seemed to have any interest in anything like CAP. This sort of follows the definition of the disorder; difficult social interaction leads to less desire for social interaction. So what you find is oftentimes that it is the PARENTS who push these kids into CAP in the attempt to socially integrate them.
Sometimes, this can be successful. I've worked with someone with Asperger's who ended up quite decorated in CAP (and a bit of a reg nerd) because, after entering CAP, he learned to function better in society than if left up to his own devices. As NIN mentioned, CAP is a militaristic organization, and the structure and rules that dictate behavior and action are pretty cut-and-dry. That structure tends to help those with Asperger's and higher functioning autism.
But it is important to keep in mind that it is likely only a small percent more of those with higher-functioning autism are going to adhere to CAP than would any other cadet who's been forced into CAP. Cadets have to WANT to be cadets in order to succeed, whether that's as a mentally healthy cadet, a cadet with autism, a cadet in a wheelchair, or whatever. It's always going to be about the motivation, and if the kid doesn't WANT to join CAP, whether that's due to the social alienation caused by the autism or due to just plain disinterest, then there really isn't much we can do about it. We should give every cadet a chance, but there comes a time when a commander may think about sitting down with the parents and discussing what CAP is and is not capable of doing. We are not a rehabilitation center, and we cannot simply take an autistic cadet who doesn't want to be a member and turn him or her into a sterling example of mental health. It just isn't going to happen.
As far as the ADD/ADHD... eh. ADD/ADHD, to my knowledge, is never a "severe" disorder. Generally if the symptoms become actually debilitating, it's called Mania or Bipolar disorder. If they aren't, it's called ADD/ADHD. And almost everyone who is diagnosed with this disorder is on Ritalin, Focalin, or something of the like to help control it.
So really whether or not it is an actually disorder is completely irrelevant as far as we deal with them. If they have it, they should have their medication. If they don't have the disorder or the medication for the disorder, then you treat that cadet the same way you would treat ANY cadet who's lagging. I mean, how many scenarios do we actually have?
A) Cadet has ADD/ADHD with medication: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
B) Cadet has ADD/ADHD without medication: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
C) Cadet is handicapped: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
D) Cadet has weight problems: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
E) Cadet has a difficult accent: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
F) Cadet is dumb as dirt: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
G) Cadet is completely normal and capable: Work with parents, commanders, and the cadet's team to ensure that the cadet can complete all activities and succeed.
I mean, it's the same plan any way you go. All cadets are going to have individual training needs, no matter what disorder they have (or do not have). You can take two perfectly healthy cadets, and one's going to need more motivation than they other, or one is going to need instructions written down while the other is a verbal learner. The ADD, ADHD, autism, Asperger's, or whatever is just another factor that we as leaders learn to accommodate and overcome.
Don't forget the biggest mistake that ALL leaders make at one point when dealing with "problem cadets", regardless of the "problem." NO ONE outside of a clinical, psychologically trained person is trained to handle any sort of problem like this alone, and few psychiatrists or psychologists I know would try to help a patient without familial or societal interaction. Overcoming these problems is a TEAM effort, and this team needs to involve everyone. It needs to involve the commander, the parents, the team, the supporting staff members, and, crucially, the CADET INVOLVED. If you can't get the cadet on your team, then it's going to be a long, painful journey, likely to nowhere.
YMMV
Bravo :clap: :clap: :clap:
As a squadron commander, I found that the formula above is the only way to go. Working with the parents, you can take a difficult cadet and turn them into a good one, take a good cadet and turn them into a great one. Each one has their potential, none are the same. Our job is to make them into their best self.
Quote from: Gunner C on January 29, 2009, 08:50:58 AM
As a squadron commander, I found that the formula above is the only way to go. Working with the parents, you can take a difficult cadet and turn them into a good one, take a good cadet and turn them into a great one. Each one has their potential, none are the same. Our job is to make them into their best self.
TRue that.
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on August 09, 2009, 01:31:56 AM
Quote from: Gunner C on January 29, 2009, 08:50:58 AM
As a squadron commander, I found that the formula above is the only way to go. Working with the parents, you can take a difficult cadet and turn them into a good one, take a good cadet and turn them into a great one. Each one has their potential, none are the same. Our job is to make them into their best self.
TRue that.
You felt the need to resurrect a six month old thread just to say 'true that'?
Well actually i do have adhd and im just fine in cap .
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on August 09, 2009, 02:08:38 AM
Well actually i do have adhd and im just fine in cap .
From Jimdo 'About Me' Page...
Quote
Hello, Im a C/AB In Civil Air patrol. I have been in cap for almost 2 years.
My position in CAp is element member.
Im from GLR OH 115.
My favorite musaic is rock, metal, Industry metal.
I like disturbed. Nickleback.
I am trained in Firts Aid, and CPR child and CPR adult.
2 Years as an C/AB??? ...just curious why the lack of progression in the Cadet Program.
Quote from: DBlair on August 09, 2009, 07:43:08 AM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on August 09, 2009, 02:08:38 AM
Well actually i do have adhd and im just fine in cap .
From Jimdo 'About Me' Page...
Quote
Hello, Im a C/AB In Civil Air patrol. I have been in cap for almost 2 years.
My position in CAp is element member.
Im from GLR OH 115.
My favorite musaic is rock, metal, Industry metal.
I like disturbed. Nickleback.
I am trained in Firts Aid, and CPR child and CPR adult.
2 Years as an C/AB??? ...just curious why the lack of progression in the Cadet Program.
Actually, according to his signature he is now a 'C/AM', what ever that is...
Possibly a C/Amn, I'm not sure...
^^^ FYI guys.
Those posts are roughly equal to NOT COOL.
Quote from: IceNine on August 09, 2009, 04:18:52 PM
^^^ FYI guys.
Those posts are roughly equal to NOT COOL.
I totally second that. That is an uncalled for attack. Shame on those that sink to that level.
It is very interesting that this thread became active again because this is something I have been thinking about for the last few months now. I recently got a foster son who has Asbergers. He just turned 12. When he first came to us back in March I thought there was no way I would ever entertain allowing him to join CAP. He really liked rules and wanted to follow them, but he was not able to handle it if the rules changed. He would get angry and focus on what was supposed to happen or what happened before. This is highly typical of Asbergers- getting stuck on things. Well, for the last few months, my wife and I have kept him on a stict regiment and worked to adjust his medicine since he has grown so much and I am begginning to see a young man who might just do well in CAP. He so wants to fly and be a part of the program. I took him out to help build the glider and he was running around trying to figure out just how all of the parts fit together. Had his head stuck in the wings and watching how the stabilizer went on. Eventually I had to tell him his job was to hold the back of the plane down so it didn't flip on its nose. He stayed there for 30 minutes- just holding that plane in place. Just 1 month ago, he would not have been able to handle it. I mostly just wanted to share what I have seen. I think I might try him in scouts first and depending on how long he is with us have him try CAP in a year or two.
Just to add my two-cents... I have a few with ADD/ADHD and one in particular I had difficulty with. Apart from having slow progress in the program, he is also constantly being talked to about disruptions. Wanting to give him something to do that would keep him busy but not able to put him in charge because of his low rank, I made him a guidon bearer. At first he balked on the idea but once I printed off the order of the guidon from D&C and showed him how important it was, he really took to it. Now, he knows that order backwards and forwards and enjoys doing it. He's gone from 50% attendance to better than 90% because he thinks we need him. He also has enjoyed teaching younger cadets how to do his job for when he's not there or for the other flight. This hasn't gotten rid of his classroom disruptions but has helped.
I've worked with several cadets with learning and/or social delays. They do require a little more leadership in the beginning, but pairing them with a cadet just a little more advanced can help a lot. It also helps, once they've mastered something, to have them help another cadet to learn that skill. This is the "See it, do it, teach it" method.
Here are a few things that seem to help:
Provide a written checklist of the tasks required for the Curry. This gives the cadet interim goals and a way to track progress. Special needs cadets might need checklists for several grades, but should be encouraged to create their own as they progress through ranks.
Take pictures of the cadet and senior staff members that the cadet will need to interact with. Many special needs cadets have difficulty remembering names and faces. A pictorial chain of command helps them learn to recognize other unit members more quickly.
The Squadron Commander, Deputy Commander for Cadets and the Cadet Commander should talk privately with any cadet that tends to be disruptive, remind the cadet that improper behavior can delay their next promotion and that serious behavior problems could lead to demotion. This meeting should include instruction on proper behavior. Afterwards, a simple reminder should suffice to curtail improper behavior.
If a cadet's improper behavior constitutes a safety problem, the safety officer should discuss ORM and Safety First in depth with cadets. This discussion should include training on when and how cadets should remind other members to follow safety guidelines.
My 17-year-old cadet with Asperger's just received his Mitchell. Took him five years but he did it. I think the biggest accomplishment was staying with the program with other cadets who don't understand. This summer he completed a glider encampment and did an NCSA, his first. He's an MRO and worked at multiple airshows. Worked on support staff for a cadet encampment. None of it easy for him, but he did it.
Every cadet does have different needs and for an Aspie, just staying in the program is an accomplishment. I would talk to his parents but he might be offended if he knows you're talking with them about him (or her).
My son made it because I'm very involved in the program; I'm a wing officer in our state. My wife is a DCS in his squadron. We don't pull strings for him but our involvement ensures we know the processes well enough that we can sort of plow the road for him. He still has to go down the road on his own, though.
I think the biggest shame is the many members who think that cadets with various disabilities (yes, I hear from them -- all across the US) don't belong in CAP because we're (in their minds) supposed to be churning out USAFA candidates. CAP in general seems afraid to go public about people with disabilities in the organization.
Quote from: DBlair on August 09, 2009, 07:43:08 AM
Quote from: capcadetwilliams on August 09, 2009, 02:08:38 AM
Well actually i do have adhd and im just fine in cap .
From Jimdo 'About Me' Page...
Quote
Hello, Im a C/AB In Civil Air patrol. I have been in cap for almost 2 years.
My position in CAp is element member.
Im from GLR OH 115.
My favorite musaic is rock, metal, Industry metal.
I like disturbed. Nickleback.
I am trained in Firts Aid, and CPR child and CPR adult.
2 Years as an C/AB??? ...just curious why the lack of progression in the Cadet Program.
I just turned a airman they have to verify paperwork and pin me.
^ Congrats on getting promoted soon.
This is a great discussion, improving awareness of kids with various conditions. Keep the conversation going! CAP helps build good citizens, in addition to building interest in the military.
As the father of two young men with ADD I watched their struggles and learned a great deal along the way. The amount of inaccurate information out there is astounding, and it's important to understand the sypmtoms are not identical in every case. My two boys presented so differently I didn't believe it at first. I've even seen family physicians who don't get it. Our experience improved dramatically with counseling from a psychologist.
Also understand that ADD and ADHD are different. There has been lots of talk about outbursts and disruptions, but that's not the only affect. I learned that ADD kids can lack the "motivation switch" in their brains. Thay WANT to acheive and beat themselves up for not doing so. That can lead to depression and anxiety, which is easily worsened by our "typical" reactions.
We can help by understanding the strategies they need to suceed, instead of tolerating them on the fringes. Kids like this can do quite well in a structured environment and many of them excel in the military. This thread has some great examples of how we can work with such kids and help them succeed.
FWIW, my oldest son is in the Marines now and he LOVES it.