Outline, introduction, and conclusion as well as summary

Ben, realize I may totally rewrite all of these sections. I constantly try to fine tune all my work.

Thesis Statement

Full inclusion in the classroom is not the best learning environment 

for children on the autism spectrum

Introduction

    Will autism and its effects on the learning patterns of children affected ever be entirely understood? Just as autism itself is a disorder in which many elements of its cause is still unexplained, the ways in which to teach these children is also a challenge. Many children on the spectrum require extensive speech therapy; some of these children are virtually non-verbal, or speak in a kind of 'kidspeak', garbled babytalk that is only understood by family. Children with the various autism spectrum disorders sometimes require physical therapy, small groupings, sound management, constant supervision, as well as many other accommodations that I have not yet mentioned. Food is an issue of concern for many of these children, some require very specialized and strict diets, such as gluten and lactose free. As puzzling as the disorder of autism is, it is very important to realize that normal teaching methods do not apply to these children. Inclusion in the elementary classroom is important to some extent to teach and model average student's behavior, for the autistic, but at what cost? Do our school systems have the funds to hire full-time aides to help the children who need them? Do most grade schools have properly trained teachers to deal with the various unique ways in which to reach the autistic child? Early intervention is crucial for these kids, but are the elementary schools ready and able to accept the task?



Summary

Introduction-Above
Thesis-Still working on the body of paper, brainstorming ideas and solutions
     Supporting data-Localize my paper by providing Kentucky data
     Statistics on learning in full inclusion classrooms by children with development disabilities
Restate Thesis
Conclusion
     I speculate as new information and a better understanding of the myriad of developmental delays associated with autism is being researched, that the new knowledge will be integrated by elementary schools and implemented to give these children a fighting chance in their education. Advocacy for autistic children is just the first step. Financing the tremendous array of services needed seems to be the greatest obstacle. Advocates and legislators working together to provide proper funding along with educated professionals to address the educational needs of the children on the spectrum is of utmost importance. Without advocacy and a voice for the many non-verbal as well as verbal children of autism, the education system fails the ones at most risk to be forever voiceless in a loud, verbally competitive world.



Ben, I hope this is what you were looking for as far as my assignment was to be presented.